MAHINDRA

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler

Indian company Mahindra announces the Scorpio Lifestyler, a new global mid-size pickup truck, which will be sold in export markets as the Lifestyler.

Mahindra has taken a significant step in its international expansion by unveiling the production version of its new mid-size lifestyle pickup in India. Named the Scorpio Lifestyler in the Indian market and simply the Lifestyler in international markets, this new model is the direct evolution of the Global Pik Up concept introduced in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2023. Developed by the Mahindra India Design Studio in Mumbai and Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai, the pickup was conceived from the outset as a global product, targeting markets such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Built on a modern ladder-frame chassis architecture—the same structural philosophy used in the Scorpio-N—the Lifestyler combines the traditional ruggedness of Mahindra pickups with a much more sophisticated approach. Its double-cab body features muscular proportions, a raised hood, expansive glazing, large fenders, and a front end with a strong personality, while the rear incorporates a spacious cargo bed and vertical taillights. The intent is clear: to offer a vehicle capable of handling work during the week yet equally ready for road trips, leisure activities, and off-road adventures. Mahindra itself summarizes this philosophy as a pickup designed for "payload and playload," balancing cargo capacity, fun, and everyday comfort.

Inside, the vehicle leans closer to a modern SUV than a traditional utility pickup. The design offers a sophisticated environment, advanced technology, connectivity, and a high level of comfort, all while retaining the elevated driving position and sense of ruggedness characteristic of the Scorpio family. Information released during development also points to features such as a digital instrument cluster, automatic transmission, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems, including Level 2 ADAS and semi-automatic parking. The interior stands out with a large infotainment screen mounted in the center console, and behind the multifunction steering wheel is a digital cluster.

Mahindra promises that the Scorpio Lifestyler will offer “advanced technology, authentic capabilities and compelling value in a package developed to global standards and shaped by customer insights from international markets.”

According to current announcements, it will arrive on the market by April 2027, with a starting price in India of (converted) 20,700 US dollars.

According to Carscoops, this is actually a production version of the Mahindra Global Pick Up concept from 2023.

The Indian automaker has already planned three special editions. The Valley Edition is finished in Artemis Grey with topographic stickers, the Reef Edition is painted in Aquareef with colorful graphics and a surfboard on the roof, while the Trail Edition has Sahara Beige livery, side steps and a snorkel.

Under the hood, non-electrified powertrain options from the Scorpio-N are expected, including a 2.0-liter petrol engine with 149 kW/200 hp and a 2.2-liter diesel with 129 kW/175 hp. The SUV is available with manual and automatic transmissions in rear-wheel drive and 4x4 versions.

In addition to India, Mahindra has confirmed that the Lifestyler will be exported to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

Autonews

 

LAMBORGHINI

The Revuelto SV revives a saga that began with the Miura 55 years ago

The "Super Veloce" (SV) designation has rarely been as fitting for a Lamborghini as it is for this new version of the Revuelto. The Revuelto SV not only shatters records for raw power (1,065 hp—50 more than the standard model) but also stands as the fastest Lamborghini ever produced in Sant'Agata Bolognese.

We have known the SV recipe for 55 years, ever since the legendary Miura launched the series (continued by the Diablo, Murciélago, and Aventador): reduced weight, increased power, enhanced aerodynamics, and a sportier chassis that further elevates the driving experience.

The Revuelto’s hybrid powertrain—featuring a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine and three electric motors (two front, one rear)—now boasts 1,085 hp (+50 hp) and a massive 1,425 Nm of torque. It is easy to see that the performance figures will be impressive: a top speed of 345 km/h (curiously, the same as the Aston Martin Valen, also revealed today), 0–100 km/h acceleration in 2.4 seconds, and 0–200 km/h in 6.7 seconds. Breathtaking.

But there is more: the engine's redline approaches 10,000 rpm, and torque vectoring on the front wheels further sharpens driving dynamics—and the advantages don't stop there.

The key lies in the new suspension... Undoubtedly, one of the Revuelto SV's most significant features is its new active suspension system with adjustable dampers, derived directly from the GT3 race car. It replaces the magnetic suspension... and the gain is evident in the figures provided by Lamborghini: the Revuelto SV has gained 17% in agility and 10% in lateral grip compared to the model on which it is based.

The model also debuts CCM-R Plus ceramic brakes (with a diameter exceeding 400 mm on both axles)—technology derived from the racetrack—capable of bringing the Revuelto SV to a stop from 200 km/h in just 110 meters (while also offering greater resistance to overheating). And a third new feature: "Pilot Mode." This is a driving program never before seen on the Revuelto—debuting on the SV—featuring a more extreme configuration for all key vehicle dynamics elements, including traction control adjustable across five different levels based on the driver's skill.

The rest of the lineup remains the same: Strada for the road, Sport for greater dynamism, and Corsa, tailored for the track. The package is rounded out by high-performance tires from Bridgestone—a regular Lamborghini supplier—including the ultra-high-performance semi-slick Potenza Race R.

Extreme aerodynamics...The other "secret" of the Revuelto SV is its new aerodynamic design. One fact helps explain why that adjective is used: the SV generates a staggering 80% more downforce than the standard Revuelto.

It features a new front splitter (lower lip), underbody paneling, a new fin integrated into the bumper, a dual rear wing, and new air intakes for brake cooling. All of this creates a striking visual impact.

Its new presence is more commanding, further enhanced by the extensive use of exposed carbon fiber, red accents (on the diffuser and rear wing), black details (rear wing and wheels), and the SV initials on the rear fins. The interior, as is typical of Lamborghinis, feels almost sci-fi, with the brand's aeronautical inspiration creating the sensation of commanding a fighter jet rather than a supercar. Carbon fiber features on the doors and seats (though be aware that these may not be the most comfortable option)—which are upholstered in leather—while the screen and gauges display unique graphics and animations.

Like all Super Veloce models, the Revuelto SV will be produced in a limited run. A total of 1,963 units will roll off the assembly line at the Sant'Agata Bolognese factory—a number chosen to honor the Italian brand's founding year.

Autonews

LUCID

Lucid Gravity GT-S

Lucid Group, Inc. announces the Gravity GT-S, a new expression of the Lucid Gravity performance-focused model.

Inspired by the Lucid Air Sapphire, the new model delivers more power, dynamic capabilities and a performance-focused design, while maintaining the exceptional space, comfort and versatility that Gravity offers its customers.

With 1,070 horsepower, the Gravity GT-S is America’s most powerful three-row SUV, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.1 seconds.

Its standard Dynamic Handling Package improves agility, stability and ride comfort with independent rear-wheel steering and an adaptive air suspension that lowers the vehicle at high speeds.

Inspired by the Lucid Air Sapphire...Lucid is no stranger to outrageous power. The Lucid Air Sapphire produces 1,234 hp and 1,430 lb-ft of torque worth of it, and in our testing it rocketed from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds. It also ran the quarter mile in a blistering 9.0 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars we’ve ever tested despite having four doors and a luxurious cabin.

The Gravity GT-S, which is coming out to the world at the 2026 Monterey Car Week festivities, won’t be quite that quick, but its numbers should still be plenty serious for a large electric luxury three-row SUV. Lucid says it expects the GT-S to sprint from 0–60 mph in 3.1 seconds, which would make it brutally quick for something designed to carry a family and their luggage.

Lucid is keeping many technical details under wraps for now, but we expect the GT-S to use a version of Gravity’s existing dual-motor setup. The automaker did confirm that it will come standard with a Dynamic Handling Package designed to improve overall agility and high-speed stability without sacrificing comfort. With rear-wheel steering and an adaptive three-chamber air suspension already part of the Gravity formula, the GT-S should remain surprisingly composed despite all that power.

The Lucid Gravity GT-S will be available exclusively in the United States, with a starting price of $125,900, excluding taxes, options and shipping. The Tahoe leather interior option is available for $1,300.

Lucid no longer sells its 1070-hp Gravity Dream Edition, but that doesn’t mean the luxury SUV lineup will live without a four-figure-horsepower variant for long. As part of California’s annual Monterey Car Week festivities, Lucid has pulled back the cover on the Dream Edition’s successor, the Gravity GT-S.

Think of the Lucid Gravity GT-S as a Sapphire-lite, a rejiggering of the Dream Edition trim to better relate to the 1234-hp Sapphire variant found in the Air sedan’s lineup. Its powertrain is the same as it was in the Dream Edition, wielding two electric motors producing a combined 1070 horsepower. Lucid estimates a 60-mph sprint of 3.1 seconds, which is exactly what a 2026 Gravity Dream Edition managed at our test track; given the similarities between the two models, we don’t expect that to change.

The Gravity GT-S should be a decent handler. It comes standard with Lucid’s Dynamic Handling package, which adds rear-wheel steering and an adaptive air suspension. The Dream Edition managed an impressive-for-its-size 0.90 g on our skidpad, a number we imagine the GT-S will meet (or possibly beat).

Whereas the Dream Edition didn't really have a stand-alone design language, the GT-S does. In keeping with the Sapphire’s (sensible) obsession with the color blue, the Gravity GT-S is host to a smattering of blue exterior accents, including the brake calipers. Inside, you’ll find that same color splashed across the seatbelts, steering wheel, armrests, and contrast stitching. You also get Lucid’s bear logo—another Sapphire staple—embossed into the headrests. A leather upgrade is available for $1300 too.

The last Dream Edition we tested carried a starting price of $141,550. The GT-S, on the other hand, will start at $127,750, shaving nearly 14 large off the window sticker. Sure, you’re still shelling out an additional $30K over a Grand Touring trim, but we’ll never complain when a 1070-hp car becomes more affordable. The order books are open today, but Lucid has not yet confirmed when GT-S deliveries will begin.

 

Autonews

 

AUTONEWS

These 10 used cars that are 10 to 15 years old are considered extremely reliable and durable

New cars are becoming more expensive, while their maintenance and repairs are becoming more complicated. That's why many buyers are turning to proven used cars that are ten or more years old, which can offer reliable transportation without frequent and expensive trips to the mechanic.

The British consumer protection organization Which? conducted a large survey among more than 60,000 car owners to determine which models between 10 and 15 years old still provide the most carefree kilometers, reports Jutarnji.hr/Auto klub. It took into account how many owners had a breakdown during the year, how many cars were left immobile on the road due to a serious problem, as well as how much time they spent in the service center on average.

Ten models that performed particularly well:

10. Toyota Auris (2012–2019)

Lowest price: around €7,000

Breakdowns: 28% | Roadside breakdowns: 7% | Average service time: 5.3 days...The Auris may never have been the biggest star in its class, but it has proven to be a very reliable car, especially in the hybrid version. Even models older than ten years generally do not cause many problems for owners. Toyota replaced the Auris again in 2019 with the Corolla, but this model is still a very good choice for buyers who value durability, economy and reliability.

9. Suzuki Alto (2009–2014)

Lowest price: around €2,500

Breakdowns: 25% | Roadside breakdowns: 1% | Average service time: 2.6 days...The Alto is probably the most modest car on this list, but its simplicity is one of the main reasons for its reliability. Simple mechanics and very few electronics mean that there is not much that can break. This makes the Alto a great value as a cheap city car, especially for drivers who value low costs over luxury and performance.

8. Toyota Yaris (2011–2020)

Lowest price: around €5,000

Breakdowns: 23% | Roadside breakdowns: 6% | Average service time: 3.1 days...The third generation Yaris continues the tradition of reliability that Toyota is known for. The hybrid version is particularly popular, but the other variants also boast relatively simple and affordable maintenance. Due to its small size, economy and durability, the Yaris is still in great demand as a city car today.

7. Suzuki Swift (2010–2016)

Lowest price: around €3,500

Breakdowns: 27% | Roadside breakdowns: 8% | Average service time: 1.4 days...The Swift is a somewhat underrated car on the used car market. In addition to being reliable, it also offers more driving pleasure than one would expect from a small and relatively inexpensive city car. It is often chosen by younger drivers, and despite this, research results show that it withstands age and mileage well.

6. BMW X1 (2009–2015)

Price: around €9,000

Breakdowns: 35% | Roadside breakdowns: 7% | Average service time: 2.1 days...Luxury SUVs are not very common on lists of the most reliable older used cars, but the first-generation BMW X1 is an interesting exception. The percentage of cars with a defect is higher than that of the Japanese competitors on this list, but problems are usually resolved relatively quickly. The X1 also continues to offer quality and driving feel that are above average in this price range.

5. Škoda Citigo (2009–2019)

Price: around 4,000 euros

Defects: 22% | Roadside breakdowns: 5% | Average service time: 2.8 days...The Citigo was one of the more successful small city cars of the last decade. It shares its technical basis with the Volkswagen Up!, but as a used car it can often be found at a more affordable price and with good equipment. It is small, economical, easy to drive around town and, which is especially important for an older used car, has proven to be very reliable.

4. Honda Jazz (2008–2015)

Price: around 3,500 euros

Defects: 25% | Roadside breakdowns: 4% | Average service time: 2.7 days...The Honda Jazz has long been a popular second-hand car for buyers who value reliability and practicality over prestige. Its big advantage is its extremely practical and adaptable interior, combined with low fuel consumption. The engines and transmissions have proven to be very durable, so well-maintained models can cover a large number of kilometers without serious problems.

3. Lexus RX 450h (2009–2015)

Price: around 14,000 euros

Breakdowns: 16% | Roadside breakdowns: 0% | Average service time: 2 days...The large luxury SUV with a hybrid drive is surprisingly reliable even in its later years. A particularly impressive fact from the study is that among the cars studied, there was no case of a breakdown that left the vehicle immobile on the road. The RX 450h offers a lot of space and comfort, is very durable, and, with all this, retains its value well on the used car market.

2. Mazda MX-5 (2005–2015)

Price: around 9,000 euros

Malfunctions: 26% | Breakdowns on the road: 0% | Average in service: 1.7 days...One of the most famous and best-selling roadsters in the world shows that a sports car does not automatically mean high repair costs. The MX-5 of the third generation is known for its relatively simple construction, low mass and fun driving, but also very good reliability. Although there were failures with some owners, none of the problems noted in the survey caused the car to remain immobile on the road.

1. Lexus CT 200h (2011–2020)

Price: around 10,000 euros

Malfunctions: 13% | Breakdowns on the road: 0% | Average service time: 1.2 days...In first place was the Lexus CT 200h, a compact hybrid that combines low consumption, durability and the level of comfort characteristic of a premium brand.

Only 13 percent of owners reported a breakdown during the year, not a single case was recorded that the car remained stationary on the road due to a problem, and the average time spent in the service was only 1.2 days. That's why the CT 200h is one of the more interesting choices for buyers who want an older hybrid that can serve for a long time. The only problem is that there are not many of them on our market.

AUTONEWS

1996 McLaren F1 GTR sold at auction for $34,655,000

The McLaren F1 is rightly considered the undisputed king of the contemporary hypercars from the 20th century—a masterpiece of both form and function that has never been outshone.

That enduring legacy owes everything to the racing variant—the McLaren F1 GTR—and its stunning overall victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans on its competitive debut. It was that famous win against impossible odds that propelled the McLaren F1 to the dizzying heights of collectability that it enjoys today.

McLaren’s groundbreaking supercar was never intended for competition, but its race-derived components made it a force to be reckoned with on track. Built to contest the BPR Global GT Series, the first GTR variants were essentially lightened versions of the road car that featured new bodywork, a large rear wing, and carbon-ceramic disc brakes; even the standard gearbox was retained. Nine chassis were built for privateer use, with McLaren’s own development car—chassis 01R—winning Le Mans in spectacular fashion under the Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing banner. The achievement was monumental, with Gordon Murray famously saying that winning Le Mans at the first time of asking was harder than winning back-to-back Formula 1 Championships.

The following 1996 season brought with it the fresh challenge of pure-bred racecars such as the Porsche 911 GT1, requiring the McLaren F1 GTR to become lighter, faster, and more focused than the model that took victory at La Sarthe the previous year. The McLaren F1 GTR 1996, as it became known, featured extensions to the bodywork at both the front and rear, and a more aggressive front splitter that significantly increased downforce. The gearbox benefited from a lightweight magnesium housing along with heavy duty internal components, which contributed to a weight saving of 38 kilograms compared with the outgoing car.

The McLaren F1 GTR 1996 would be the fastest ever variant of the famous racer, outpacing even the final “Long-Tail” version of 1997. Just as in 1995, only nine 1996 cars were built, beginning with arguably the most famous and significant of them all: chassis 10R.

The XP cars are widely considered the most desirable and valuable of all the F1 variations. Chassis 10R left the Woking works in December 1995 as the first example built to F1 GTR 1996 specification. As the first of its type—just like the Le Mans-winning chassis 01R—the car was retained by McLaren, and would have been driven by a host of the manufacturer’s top drivers, including 1995 Le Mans winner, JJ Lehto, during winter testing at Magny-Cours. It also served as a promotional tool for the marque and was present at several rounds of the BPR Global GT Series, resplendent in Blood Red with contrasting yellow “96 GTR” graphics—the livery for which the car would become famous.

The car eventually saw competitive action in early April when it took part in 12 hours of testing in preparation for the manufacturer’s assault on the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans. Three weeks later chassis 10R made the journey to the Circuit de la Sarthe, where it participated in Pre-Qualifying for the French epic. Wearing a plain Blood Red livery with graphite wheels and running under the auspices of reigning Le Mans champions, Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing, the car was driven by McLaren Works driver, David Brabham.

Doubtless all eyes would have been on 10R during Le Mans testing—a bright red F1 fresh with factory upgrades over last year’s outright winner, being put through its paces by the very team that won it all in 1995. A successful weekend resulted in the car ranking 8th in class and 20th overall, though it would be sister car, chassis 11R, that would go on to contest the race proper.

Britain was, in a crucial sense, Pop Art's birthplace. While Richard Hamilton and David Hockney became its most globally recognized practitioners, the rock and roll scene also became an important area where art was fused with music. Of all Pink Floyd's visual achievements, the one that transcends its category most completely is the artwork for The Dark Side of the Moon. Released in March 1973, with cover artwork designed by the British graphic design studio Hipgnosis, the album spent 996 weeks on the American Billboard 200 chart, selling more than 45 million copies worldwide making it the fourth-best-selling album in the history of recorded music and an instant icon of pop culture.

While both 01R and 10R were initially retained by the McLaren factory, it was fittingly decided that 10R would be sold directly to Nick Mason, renowned collector and drummer for the legendary rock band Pink Floyd. A car enthusiast long before finding fame with Pink Floyd, off-stage Mason has curated an impeccable collection of the world’s most significant automobiles, including a Ferrari 250 GTO, Maserati 250F, Bugatti Type 35, Jaguar D-Type, Porsche 962, and a host of other magnificent examples. In many ways a modern disciple of those groundbreaking racing designs, the McLaren F1 GTR was a perfect fit for Mason’s thoughtfully curated and highly exclusive collection.

Having been converted for road use by McLaren directly, and subsequently registered “K40 MCL” in 1999, further work was carried out on the car by Paul Lanzante and his company Lanzante Limited. No stranger to McLaren or the F1, it was Paul Lanzante who was at the helm of the Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing team at Le Mans in 1995, leading the team to victory on what was also his first participation in the fabled event. Chassis 10R was one of the earliest conversions of an estimated 16 McLaren F1 GTRs to be modified for road use, taking one of the most feted racing cars of the 1990s full circle. A dominant force on track, it returned to where its creator always intended it to be: the open road.

Chassis 10R was later displayed at Rétromobile in 2007 and subsequently used for a 2009 test by Autocar’s Steve Sutcliffe. That was followed by another journalist losing control of the car and ending up in a field of wheat, prompting a no-expense-spared restoration by Paul Lanzante’s son, Dean, and his incredible team at Lanzante Limited in 2009. Having been a member of the Le Mans-winning squad in 1995, Dean worked alongside his father in race preparing and restoring McLaren Formula 1 cars and F1 GTRs before striking out on his own and opening Lanzante Limited, which not only served as an official McLaren dealership (as McLaren Petersfield) but also became the foremost authority in converting McLaren racing cars—including the F1 GTR, P1 GTR and LM, and Senna LM25— and other similarly high-strung racing cars for the road.

In 2012, the McLaren was displayed at the 73rd Goodwood Members’ Meeting, and just a few weeks later it participated in the 750-kilometer 20th Anniversary Tour organized by the 106 Drivers Club. In 2014, the McLaren joined five other F1 GTRs for the Club’s Tour of Tuscany, a 750-kilometer road rally based in Siena, Italy. The car returned to the Chichester circuit in 2017 for a GT1 demonstration at the 75th Goodwood Members’ Meeting, during which Mason famously left the track and struck a tire wall. The McLaren was subsequently treated to a second restoration by Dean Lanzante, while its most recent Goodwood appearance was at the 2022 Festival of Speed. Nick Mason would go on to own 10R for 25 years at which point it was privately transacted in the Spring of 2024 to a well-respected independent party, who offers it for sale today.

Having been maintained by both Paul and Dean Lanzante since entering Mason’s ownership, chassis 10R is mechanically among the best of its type. The collector is said to have had an “open checkbook” policy when it came to the car’s maintenance, sending the McLaren back to Dean Lanzante’s workshop following every significant drive and leaving no stone unturned in ensuring it was always in top cosmetic and mechanical condition, ensuring that 10R remained one of the very best maintained of all F1s. A recent inspection carried out by Lanzante Limited is on file for interested parties.

AUTONEWS

Interesting proposal for fewer collisions - green lights on the front of cars could save lives

Scientists recommend that brake lights be placed on the sides of vehicles as well.

Scientists from the Graz University of Technology have investigated how additional brake lights on the front of vehicles would affect traffic safety. It is said that this could prevent up to 17 percent of collisions at intersections.

While conventional brake lights only warn vehicles behind you, front brake lights also signal pedestrians and other vehicles that an oncoming vehicle is braking.

The scientists claim that these front brake lights would glow green instead of red and could be easily integrated into the vehicle design. They could also be retrofitted to existing vehicles relatively cheaply.

Scientists led by Ernst Tomasz from the Institute for Vehicle Safety reconstructed 200 real-life traffic accidents at Austrian intersections and then simulated them assuming that the vehicles involved were equipped with front brake lights.

Depending on the reaction time of the road users, between 7.5 and 17 percent of the crashes could have been prevented.

In as many as a quarter of cases, additional lights would have made it possible to reduce the impact speed and thus mitigate injuries. The key lies in the shortened reaction time, which can make the decisive difference between an accident and timely braking.

But the technology also has its limitations. According to a study by TU Graz, which was recently published in the journal Vehicles, in about a third of the reconstructed accidents, the front brake lights were not visible due to an unfavorable angle. The scientists recommend that brake lights also be installed on the sides of the vehicle.

Imagine you’re driving toward a busy intersection. A car approaching from the front is about to apply the brakes, but you have no way of knowing. By the time you realize it’s stopping, it’s too late, and a crash happens. Each year, numerous such collisions occur, but a simple change in our vehicles could dramatically reduce their number.

This simple idea is putting brake lights on the front of vehicles. This could be a game-changer in road safety. A recent study from Graz University of Technology in Austria suggests that these front-facing brake lights (FBLs) could help avoid up to 17% of intersection collisions and lessen injury severity in as many as 25% of cases.

It’s a low-cost, easy-to-implement solution with the potential to save thousands of lives, yet no car on the road today has it. So why haven’t we added this obvious safety feature before? Well, until now, the idea lacked strong real-world evidence. That’s exactly what the new study provides, by recreating real crashes, testing the idea in simulations, and determining just how helpful a front-facing brake light can be.

“The aim of this study is therefore a prospective evaluation of the safety performance of an FBL by means of a counterfactual simulation on the basis of real traffic accidents at junctions,” the study authors note.

Testing the power of FBLs...The researchers began by examining 200 actual vehicle accidents that took place at intersections in Austria. They used data from the Central Database for In-Depth Accident Study (CEDATU), which records detailed information about how crashes happen. 

Using this data, the team reconstructed each crash. Basically, they created a timeline of events showing how the vehicles moved, when the drivers braked, and how the collision occurred. Next, they ran computer simulations of each crash scenario, but this time, they added a twist: they assumed that the cars approaching from secondary roads had green front-facing brake lights. 

These lights would signal to other drivers, especially those coming from the side or in front, that a vehicle was slowing down. In the simulations, whenever these lights were visible, drivers were assumed to react more quickly. The researchers tested three possible reaction times: 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 seconds. The faster the reaction, the better the outcome.

The results were surprising. Depending on the assumed reaction time, the simulations showed that 7.5% to 17% of the original accidents could have been completely avoided with front brake lights. In up to 25.5% of cases, the lights wouldn’t stop the crash entirely, but they would reduce the speed of impact, enough to lower the severity of injuries. 

In one example, the average crash speed in minor-injury cases dropped from 44.8 km/h to 28.8 km/h when the driver reacted half a second faster. This drop can mean the difference between a few bruises and a life-threatening injury.

Car lights are, above all, essential for road safety—both for other vehicles and for pedestrians. Europe is seeking solutions to minimize the number of road fatalities—aiming for zero deaths by 2030, a goal that has proven difficult to achieve. For now, its primary tools are the driver-assistance systems that governments mandate for new cars.

Mercedes has become the first manufacturer in the world to offer a new color for the headlights and taillights of its autonomous vehicles. Currently, all vehicles use red brake lights, but that could change if Brussels takes seriously a study conducted by engineers at the Graz University of Technology.

Drivers know that proper lighting is crucial, especially for being seen by other road users and for communicating their intentions. A clear example is the turn signal; its use is required and encouraged, as no one can predict another driver's actions. It is the right way not only to drive safely but also to avoid misunderstandings.

Naturally, this also means that all lights must be in perfect working order, especially the brake lights. Researchers at the Austrian university determined that adding a fourth brake light could improve safety, after analyzing more than 200 real-world accidents in Austria.

The idea of ​​a fourth brake light isn't new, but it is interesting...The study concludes that intersections are the sites with the highest incidence of collisions, showing that between 7.5% and 17% of crashes could have been avoided with a fourth brake light. This light would be installed at the front of the vehicle and would be green to increase visibility and improve reaction times. Researchers noted that the cost is very low and that the light could extend almost to the sides of the vehicle, making it visible to those approaching from the side as well. 

In one-third of the reconstructed accidents, an unfavorable angle was the primary cause of the collision. The report emphasizes that if front-facing brake lights had been available to traffic on the main road, drivers on intersecting streets would have reacted more quickly, thereby mitigating the consequences—or even avoiding the collision altogether.

Graz University of Technology

 

AUTONEWS

Land Rover Defender Dakar Concept

Defender is preparing a road-legal evolution of its race car, representing the pinnacle of endurance and performance forged in the heat of competition.

The exclusive, limited-edition, four-wheel-drive car is an evolution of the race-winning D7X-R. It brings pioneering rally capabilities to the road. Combining 75 years of off-road innovation with competition-derived design.

Engineers have pushed the boundaries of what is possible for the Defender Dakar, with upgraded geometry, enhanced suspension, off-road body adaptations, rally-inspired interior elements and distinctive colour options.

Defender unveiled the design announcement model at Monterey Car Week (USA). Five years after its return to the US market and more than 130,000 units sold, Defender’s momentum continues to grow, driven by the success of the Defender OCTA and the strength of its diverse, highly capable range.

The Defender Rally made history on its competitive debut at the 2026 Dakar Rally. After 14 days of gruelling competition, three D7X-R vehicles finished first, second and fourth in the new Stock class, with ‘1, 2, 3’ results on 10 of the 13 demanding stages.

The road car will retain the same robust D7X body architecture, transmission and powertrain as the D7X-R competition car – all based on the Defender OCTA. The limited edition Defender Dakar also features the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which will not be restricted by racing regulations to unleash its full 635PS. It has better cooling and is capable of producing 750Nm of torque.

The Defender Dakar will feature a 35-inch tyre package, with Advanced All-Terrain tyres on new 20-inch forged wheels, along with motorsport-proven Bilstein shock absorbers, new Dunes and Gravel Drive driving modes, as well as a revolutionary Flight mode originally developed for a competition car to ensure smooth landings on extreme and varied terrain.

Exterior details show its rally heritage, with roof-mounted light pods, a fixed metal roof, carbon fibre air intakes, a carbon fibre bonnet, extended wheel arches with exposed rivets, a boot lid skid plate and distinctive mudguards. An enhanced metal front skid plate and underbody protection complete the race-inspired specification.

The Defender Dakar will be available in a range of colour options, with the distinctive Dakar Sand bodywork and Yanbu Turquoise roof inspired by the livery of the winning D7X-R. Matte protective film is optional with Narvik Black and Alaska White.

Inside, the limited edition model will combine rally-inspired details with exceptional luxury. It will feature a 2+2 seating configuration with front row racing seats, specifically designed for the Defender Dakar. Four-point racing seat belts will be optional, with a rear storage area designed for racing helmets. The cargo area will feature a specially designed spare wheel carrier and air compressor.

Applications for the exclusive Defender Dakar are currently being taken and will be available for booking from early 2027.

Autonews