SUBARU

Subaru Levorg Layback gets S:HEV hybrid version

Subaru has introduced an updated Levorg model family for the Japanese market. The standard Levorg remains unchanged in appearance, but the Layback crossover modification now has a hybrid version with a different design.

Recall that the Subaru Levorg wagon in its current second generation has been on the market since 2020, while the Layback version, with its distinctive appearance, arrived in 2023. Now the time has come for the planned upgrade.

While we do get Impreza models here in the States to a degree, the nameplate isn’t as diverse as it is in other markets. For instance, our Crosstrek is basically a lifted, Outback-ified five-door Impreza hatchback.

The WRX is also basically an up-spec Impreza sedan. Yes, we still get a standard Impreza five-door hatchback. We’re very fortunate to get it, considering hatchbacks and wagons in general are very niche and don’t come with the same demand as SUVs.

Subaru dropped the standard Impreza sedan from the American market a while back, all to consolidate and simplify the range and optimize sales. It continues to refrain from selling a regular Impreza wagon here in the States.

All that is to say, we’re lusting over the Levorg from the other side of the planet. Especially now.

The current Levorg has been around since 2020. It’s old enough to constitute a replacement with a next-gen model. But that’s still apparently a little bit away.

So Subaru rolled out another update for the Levorg in Japan. And the biggest one is the addition of a hybrid powertrain for the Levorg Layback wagon for the first time ever.

Subaru also restyled the Levorg Layback’s front end, which could provide a clue for what we could expect when our Impreza-based Crosstrek and WRX models get redesigned.

According to Subaru’s latest release, the new Levorg Layback S:HEV hybrid gains the same powertrain as other gas-electric models sold elsewhere. That lot includes our own Forester, Outback and Crosstrek hybrid models.

The Levorg Layback is basically Japan’s equivalent to our Crosstrek. Except, it’s slightly larger as the Layback is based on the regular Levorg wagon.

The Layback essentially raises the Levorg wagon’s ground clearance, standardizes all-wheel drive, adds plastic wheel well cladding and more.

The hybrid powertrain consists of Subaru’s venerable “FB25D” boxer-four. When paired with an electric motor, total system output is around 194 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque.

The Subaru Levorg Layback has received a S:HEV hybrid version and a slightly different appearance. This 5-door model has a new radiator grille, headlights and front bumper. The hood is devoid of air intakes. The Subaru Levorg Layback S:HEV is available in two trim levels: Premium EX and Premium Black EX. The latter, as can be inferred from the name, is decorated with black details. Several optional design packages are also available for the hybrid to change the body equipment or the radiator grille.

The Levorg Layback's S:HEV powertrain is taken from the petrol-electric versions of the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester. The system includes a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine (160 hp), a starter-generator, an 88 kW (120 hp) electric motor and a modest 1.1 kWh battery. All Levorg versions come standard with all-wheel drive. As before, the classic versions are equipped with a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol boxer engine (177 hp) and a Lineartronic CVT transmission.

Subaru has also revised its SI-Drive engine management system, which allows for adjustment of throttle response and transmission behavior, resulting in better response during acceleration and cornering. The Levorg and Levorg Layback, models with all-petrol engines, remain unchanged on the outside. The interior offers refreshed materials and a new "smart" rearview mirror, to which should be added an improved MySubaru Connect system for easier car finding in a parking lot.

The hybrid crossover station wagon measures 4,735 mm in length, compared to 4,770 mm for the traditional Subaru Levorg Layback with a boxer engine. The height has been reduced by 20 mm, to 1,550 mm, as has the ground clearance, which is 20 mm lower (180 mm). The petrol-powered Subaru Levorg costs 3,630,000 yen (19,655 euros), the Layback version starts at 4,059,000 yen (21,975 euros), while the price of the hybrid Levorg Layback S:HEV will be announced in July, when it is expected to hit the market.

Autonews

 

TUNNING

Ferrari 355 Evoluto

Evoluto Automobili, a British company specializing in the modification and restoration of high-end automobiles, has approved the production of the 355 by Evoluto, a car based on the F355 manufactured by Ferrari from 1994 to 1999 as the Berlinetta, GTS, and Spider, and equipped with a 3.5-liter V8 engine producing 380 hp (0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, top speed of 295 km/h). This proposal enhances the "prancing horse" that succeeded the F348, improving it both aesthetically and technically. 55 units have been announced, with deliveries to customers starting only at the end of the year.

The 355 by Evoluto has undergone a methodical and rigorous development program, which allowed for the claimed improvements, particularly in dynamic performance and mechanical efficiency, and the announcement of its production. The chassis, after being completely redesigned from start to finish, provides more agility and precision in driving (this intervention even resulted in an increase in track width, with 77 mm more at the front and 66 mm at the rear, which improved, for example, stability in curves). In addition, there is the adjustable suspension, which was redesigned with R53 Suspension, and features new arms (upper and lower), supports, bearings and stabilizer bars.

The suspension's anchor points to the chassis were also revised to allow the adoption of more modern wheel/tire sets. Evoluto Automobili even produced new components, an opportunity that it took advantage of to work on reducing the weight of the F355, due to the difficulties in accessing original parts from the Italian brand, some of which are already unavailable, such as bearings or the transmission shaft. And the steering gained electro-hydraulic assistance. The new car weighs no more than 1250 kg, 100 kg less than the Ferrari!

Evoluto Automobile retained the naturally aspirated V8 engine, but increased the power from 380 hp to 420 hp. And the British company optionally offers a larger (3.7 liters) and more powerful (480 hp) variant. This was achieved through changes to the camshafts, valve train, fuel system, electronics, and wiring (90% is new).

The team led by Wayne Burgess, the company's design manager, also reinterpreted the F355's cockpit, modernizing it in terms of materials (adopting carbon fiber, for example!), but maintaining the original's analog controls and instruments. Additionally, interior customization is permitted (colors, materials, etc.)

The 355 by Evoluto completed a development and validation program that included approximately 8,000 km of track driving, with the engine undergoing a 16,000 km test on a specific test bench. However, before production begins, another 30,000 km of testing under real-world conditions is announced, which will only be carried out next month. And the high-speed test took place in the Catesby Tunnel, as demonstrated in the video released by the company.

The British company does not have its own cars and, therefore, the 55 examples are based on as many original F355s – between Berlinetta (4871), GTS (2577), Spider (3717) and Challenger (108), 11,273 units of the iconic 1990s car were manufactured. And the warranty offered by Evoluto Automobili is two years/32,000 km.

Autonews

AUTONEWS

GaN power electronics for bidirectional, single-phase DC electric vehicle charging

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF have developed a gallium nitride (GaN)-based power electronics module for 800-volt bidirectional direct current (DC) charging systems. The module is part of the GaN4EmoBiL project ("GaN Power Semiconductors for Electric Mobility and System Integration via Bidirectional Charging"). Project partner Ambibox GmbH integrated the module into the demonstrator of a bidirectional, single-phase off-board charger for electric vehicles (EVs).

The Fraunhofer IAF module uses 1,200-volt GaN devices fabricated on an insulating substrate. The superior properties of the devices are to be evaluated through their use in the demonstrator with battery voltages ranging from 150 volts to a maximum of 920 volts. The successful development underscores the enormous potential that GaN-based power electronics hold for the future of electric mobility.

Bidirectional, single-phase 800-volt DC charger for 3 kilowatts of power..."The single-phase demonstrator of an off-board EV charger with up to 3 kilowatts of bidirectional power addresses an existing gap in the trade-off between cost, flexibility, efficiency and compactness for bidirectional charging," explains Jun.-Prof. Dr. Stefan Mönch, coordinator of the GaN4EmoBiL project.

Demonstrator of a bidirectional single-phase 3-kW DC charger with GaN power electronics. Researchers at Fraunhofer IAF developed the power electronics module (top) using gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors and alternative insulating substrates. The demonstrator was built and the module integrated by GaN4EmoBiL project partner Ambibox GmbH. Credit: Fraunhofer IAF

Currently, electric vehicles are equipped with permanently installed onboard chargers to convert the alternating current (AC) from a household outlet or public charging station into the direct current (DC) required by the electric car, for example, at a power level of 11 or 22 kilowatts for fast charging.

However, onboard chargers incur high costs due to their size, weight and technical complexity. The off-board charger developed in GaN4EmoBiL represents a significantly more affordable and flexible alternative: Although its 3-kilowatt power output results in a slower charging speed compared with onboard charging systems, it is mobile, much more compact, lighter and versatile thanks to its CCS (Combined Charging System) plug and Schuko plug.

The demonstrator has a total volume of 8.3 liters (about 8.8 quarts) and a total weight, including plugs, of 5.7 kilograms (about 12.6 pounds).

Another advantage is its bidirectional charging capability.

"Bidirectional charging at high reverse voltages, as enabled by the demonstrated GaN charging system, is a key pillar in making the energy system more flexible," emphasizes Achim Lösch, business developer for high-frequency and power electronics at Fraunhofer IAF.

Through bidirectional charging, an electric car can function not only as a means of transportation but also as an energy storage device. During periods of oversupply, it draws power from the grid; during peak loads, it feeds power back into the grid.

GaN power electronics for energy technology: Fraunhofer IAF at PCIM Expo & Conference 2026..."At Fraunhofer IAF, we are developing innovative GaN devices and integrated power circuits (GaN power ICs) that are not only efficient but also significantly advance miniaturization at the system level through functional integration," explains Dr. Michael Basler, a researcher in the field of GaN power electronics at Fraunhofer IAF.

"At the same time, we are advancing the scalability of these technologies in terms of voltage class, current-carrying capacity and wafer size. Our goal: wide-bandgap performance at silicon prices."

Close-up of the power module developed and manufactured at Fraunhofer IAF, featuring 1,200-V-class GaN transistors on an insulating substrate for use in bidirectional DC charging systems. Credit: Fraunhofer IAF

Fraunhofer IAF will provide an overview of its research and development activities in the field of GaN power electronics at this year's PCIM Expo & Conference, which takes place June 9–11, 2026, in Nuremberg and focuses on the topic "Power Electronics for Energy Technology."

At the exhibition, Fraunhofer IAF will showcase various GaN-based power electronic components and modules at Booth 260 in Hall 6—with the highlight being the bidirectional EV charging system demonstrator. During the conference, four researchers from Fraunhofer IAF will present their current work in lectures and poster sessions.

Of particular note is the keynote presentation by Dr. Michael Basler on June 9 at 9:45 a.m.: "The GaN Evolution: Lateral, Vertical, and Bidirectional—What's Next?" This year, the presentation will open the PCIM Conference.

In it, Basler will provide an overview of the development of GaN transistors for power electronics to date, explain their advantages and look ahead to upcoming innovations.

GaN power electronics for the All-Electric Society...One of the key technological requirements of the All-Electric Society is the continuous development of increasingly powerful and efficient power electronics—particularly in energy conversion and storage systems.

In these applications, power electronic components represent a bottleneck: The maximum voltage a converter can handle is typically determined by the breakdown voltage of the semiconductors used, thereby defining a critical system limit. Accordingly, the performance of these components is decisive for the performance of the entire system.

Due to its physical properties, GaN enables significant advances in power electronics for energy conversion applications. GaN-based components enable the development of faster, more compact and more efficient systems.

In the field of electromobility, GaN opens the door to the use of power electronics in voltage classes up to 1,200 volts and, in the future, up to 1,700 volts, thanks to its combination of performance, efficiency and reduced costs.

Such high-performance systems have a positive impact on both the range of electric vehicles and their cost-effectiveness. They help further establish electric mobility across a broader segment of society.

Provided by Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF 

AUTONEWS

Which cars are the best after 100,000 km?

“Decades ago, 100,000 miles was seen as the upper service life for a lot of cars, and that number has sort of stuck in people’s imaginations to mean that a car is past its prime,” says Mike Crossen, lead technician at CR’s Auto Test Center. “Although expensive maintenance items come due at or shortly after 100,000 miles, most cars today can last a lot longer.”

Crossen says that things like spark plugs, timing belts, the water pump, and rubber parts such as coolant hoses are among the pricier maintenance items likely to pop up when a car hits 100,000 miles, typically in the eight- to 10-year range. “That’s also when automatic transmissions can start to show signs of wear, and when cars with manual transmissions might need a clutch replacement,” he says. “You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in potential maintenance and repair costs if these things have been taken care of before you buy the car.”

What to Keep in Mind When Researching High-Mileage Cars...Choose a model known for reliability and low repair costs. Any car with more than 100,000 miles is going to be out of warranty and possibly in need of big-ticket maintenance items or repairs. But buying a car with a good reliability record and low maintenance and repair costs can help keep these expenses to a minimum.

Keep your options list simple. “Cars with more and higher-tech features are likely to be more expensive to fix when they break,” Crossen says. “Also, be wary of used luxury cars, which tend to have higher costs for parts and labor, as well as greater complexity, which will mean higher labor fees when repairs are needed.” Extras like all-wheel drive, heated and ventilated seats, multiple camera systems, and motion-activated tailgates, while nice to have, can be expensive to fix if something goes wrong.

Check the maintenance records. Once you’ve found a high-mileage car you want to buy, scrutinize it for anything that might cost you later. The seller should have maintenance records. If the car was maintained at a dealership service department, there will be computerized records that can be printed out upon request, even if they have to black out the customer’s name and other personal information. Carfax vehicle history reports (see below) include reported service work and can be a useful tool to judge how well a car has been looked after. If you can’t get clear records from a history report or the seller, consider buying another car. “The bottom line: You want to make sure the car has been serviced and maintained under its previous ownership,” Crossen says. Review the repair and maintenance records to make sure things like oil, filters, and brake pads were replaced at regular intervals, and make a note of any major repairs. Keep in mind that electric vehicles need maintenance, too: By 100,000 miles, there’s likely to be a record of work done to the brakes and cooling system, for example.

Get a vehicle history report. Vehicle history reports may include information about the car’s accident history, as well as warnings about odometer tampering. The owner may include a vehicle history report in the sale listing, but it’s a good idea to get reports from a few different sources to rule out omissions from the car’s history. A Carfax report costs $45 and one from Autocheck costs $30. You can also get free reports from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and carsforsale.com, which provides reports from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). Most listings in the Consumer Reports Used Car Marketplace include free history reports. CR members will also see the reliability and owner satisfaction ratings with each listing. 

Have the car looked over by a mechanic. As with any used car, you should take a high-mileage car to a mechanic you trust and have worked with before. “A mechanic will be able to spot most major mechanical problems, as well as paint and bodywork hiding accident damage, and deal breakers like corrosion that you might not be able to see until the car is up on a lift,” Crossen says. “A little surface rust is fine, but bubbling paint, rust holes, and damage to parts of the steering, braking, and suspension systems or the frame are not. Make sure the technician also checks rubber suspension bushings for damage from leaking oil or high-impact usage.”

The German car magazine Auto Bild has the rare opportunity to test cars in a marathon test of 100,000 km. It now has a large database of vehicles that have undergone the demanding treatment, and the best models with the fewest faults have been published. The cars are driven in all weather conditions, on short trips as well as on motorways. The result is not just a technical assessment, but a comprehensive and reliable picture.

The following models were impressive and achieved the highest rating. Not only did they demonstrate high quality and reliable technology, but they also showed only minimal weaknesses in everyday use and during disassembly! So, the best after 100,000 km was the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, tested in 2017. It received a rating of 1+ (in German terminology, the best rating is 1 to the worst rating is 5). Audi did not have a single fault.

Next comes the 1+ BMW M3, tested in 2023, with a manual transmission and carbon ceramic brakes.

In third place is the 2019 Audi A4 Avant TFSI ultra with a 1 rating (all subsequent models also have a 1 rating) without any major issues.

Next comes the Audi A6 Avant 40 TDI (2021), with no faults other than the parking sensor that kept triggering error messages.

The BMW Z4 sDrive 30i (2021) completed the endurance test with virtually no wear or complications. It never required an unscheduled service visit during the entire period. Even a teardown under the strict supervision of DEKRA revealed no defects or significant wear.

Seat Ateca 1.4 Eco TSI Style (2020) – after long drives, several drivers complained of back pain and numbness in their buttocks. This resulted in a penalty point, spoiling the otherwise exceptional and impeccable performance.

The VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI (2023) covered 100,000 kilometers without a single fault or defect. During the final inspection, a light brown film was noticed on the front and rear axles, which, as harmless surface corrosion, did not affect the performance of the T-Cross. Engine, gearbox, clutch – all in perfect working order!

The BMW 320d Touring (2022) endured 100,000 kilometers with complete calm and ease. A few functional weaknesses in everyday use, a couple of (mostly cosmetic) problems during disassembly and a high price – that's all that could be noticed.

The Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D 184 AWD (2021) also passed the test without any significant defects and with impeccable service in the service. Initial, but still harmless, corrosion was found under the trunk lid seal. The installed 2.2-liter diesel engine showed no signs of wear after 100,000 kilometers.

The Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Boosterjet (2021) completed the test without any problems. It was only during disassembly that a defect was discovered: (relatively minor) rust in the longitudinal members. The corrosion protection was insufficient.

Without this defect, the Swift Sport would have received the highest rating.

AUTONEWS

Researchers demonstrate hydrogen as a viable aviation fuel

Researchers from Swansea University are celebrating their role in a major aviation milestone following the successful completion of a four-year international program led by Rolls-Royce and easyJet to demonstrate hydrogen as a viable aviation fuel. The program has culminated in a world-first achievement: a modern aero engine running on 100% hydrogen at full takeoff power, proving the potential of hydrogen to play a transformative role in future zero-carbon aviation.

Swansea University provided critical materials data to support the development of hydrogen-fueled gas turbines as a core partner in the HYEST (Hydrogen Engine System Technologies) initiative.

As part of the project, Swansea's Institute of Structural Materials (ISM) established new world-class mechanical testing capabilities in two areas previously unexplored by the research group:

-cryogenic temperatures

-high-pressure hydrogen environments

These facilities were developed through close collaboration between the ISM and the university's Steel and Metals Institute (SAMI).

The new capabilities allow researchers to replicate the extreme conditions hydrogen-fueled engines must withstand, generating essential data for safe and efficient engine design.

Professor Mark Whittaker, director of the Institute of Structural Materials (ISM) and the Rolls-Royce University Technology Center (UTC) in Materials at Swansea University, said, "ISM is an internationally recognized research center specializing in mechanical testing in high-temperature environments.

Credits: Rolls-Royce plc 2026

"SAMI brought complementary expertise in working with challenging industrial gases such as hydrogen, enabling us to create truly unique facilities. These have generated extensive data to support the development of hydrogen-based gas turbines.

"Our close relationship with Rolls-Royce has created an environment where laboratory-scale mechanical characterization can directly inform how materials behave in a hydrogen-fueled engine."

The Swansea team's contribution forms a vital part of the broader industry effort to accelerate the transition to zero-carbon aviation technologies.

Louise Gale, materials specialist at Rolls-Royce, said, "The testing program at NASA Stennis represents the culmination of a comprehensive, global program that set out to prove that hydrogen can safely and efficiently deliver power for aerospace engines. The Rolls-Royce program followed an incremental, technology-led approach to prove the fundamental technologies, including materials.

"Swansea was a clear choice as a partner for the HYEST program, building on our strong relationship developed through many successful previous collaborations on materials testing and characterization.

"The development of hydrogen-fueled engines requires novel materials test capability to validate material behavior in hydrogen environments. The test capability developed by Swansea has allowed us to generate key materials data to support component design and safety assessments."

Provided by Swansea University

AUTONEWS

Absolute rarity: rare Mercedes 300 SL found in Portugal after 30 years

An extremely rare Mercedes 300 SL Coupé, one of only 1,400 ever produced, has been discovered in Portugal after 30 years of dormancy. The legendary car with its distinctive gullwing doors was found in parts in a garage on a plantation, where it was awaiting a restoration that never began.

Although the discoveries of forgotten automotive classics are not uncommon, this one stands out with its story. The car was not just covered in dust, but was completely disassembled - the body on one side, the chassis on the other, and boxes of parts all around, writes the Autonews.

The father of the current owner once bought the car with the intention of restoring it, but the plan never came to fruition, probably due to the complexity and high costs of the project. Thus, the dream of restoration turned into a thirty-year dormancy.

Setting itself apart from the usual barn finds due to its rarity and condition, this extraordinary discovery revealed a completely disassembled example, a testament to a restoration project interrupted by time. The complex salvage process now signals the beginning of the rebirth of a true icon of automotive engineering, whose preserved components are finally returning to the light of day.

The documentary investigation and the survey of the history of this chassis were imbued with contours of high historical interest, as the original records and chronology of its owners in the country were recovered. The data gathered suggest a rich history in Portuguese territory, even raising the strong possibility of links with the sporting and competition past of the time. Each technical detail and cataloged part reflects decades of stagnation of a model that awaited the opportunity to see its mechanical integrity restored.

After the completion of the sorting and packaging work in Lisbon, the chassis and engine of the emblematic "Gullwing" were transported to Germany, where the project will continue under the most rigorous international restoration standards.

This historic find in Portugal is considered one of the most significant events of the year in the world of classic cars, promising to return to circulation and official records one of the most charismatic and valuable models in Mercedes-Benz history.

Now the legendary Mercedes should be back on the road. The task was entrusted to HK-Engineering from Poling in Bavaria, a company that specializes in the 300 SL. Their team traveled to Portugal to assess the condition of the car and prepare it for transport.

In a discreet warehouse, somewhere on a cork-producing property near Lisbon, one of the most iconic cars in history lay hidden for about three decades: a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.

Disassembled and practically forgotten by time, the German sports car awaited a second chance, tucked away among furniture and boxes in a lost warehouse in the middle of a plot of land.

That opportunity has now arisen. HK-Engineering, a German company specializing in the restoration of 300 SL Gullwings, received an unexpected contact from the grandson of the original owner to rescue this car.

The rescue process of this example with a rare configuration—dark blue leather interior, silver paint, and center-lock wheels—was documented on video, where we learn a little more about its history. We discovered that this example has always been linked to the same family since it was bought new, and there are a number of documents that attest to its trajectory.

A project interrupted by time...According to the grandson of the first owner, after a few years of use, his father decided to begin a complete restoration of the 300 SL, with the goal of returning the Gullwing to the exact state he remembered it in during his childhood.

They started by completely disassembling the car, but the size of the project, the costs involved, and the time required to complete it ultimately dictated the interruption of the process.

The result was a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL with the body separated from the chassis and dozens of components scattered across warehouses. And so it remained for about 30 years waiting for a restoration that was long overdue.

ARAI

ARAI launches a special helmet inspired by the Isle of Man TT

The Isle of Man TT is no ordinary race. Its history, its difficulty, and the respect it inspires among fans have made the Tourist Trophy one of the symbols of motorcycling. Now, Arai honors this event with a limited edition of one of its helmets. The Japanese brand has revealed the RX-7V EVO IOM TT 2026 Limited Edition, a version developed on the RX-7V EVO platform and created to celebrate the 2026 edition of the TT.

This helmet was designed for both road racing enthusiasts and collectors, combining an elegant design with the protective technology that characterizes Arai.

One of its main aspects is the design. The graphics were developed in collaboration with Drudi Performance and feature a retro combination of black, white, and gold.

In addition, it incorporates several references to the world of the Tourist Trophy. Among them, the triskelion, the three-legged symbol associated with the Isle of Man, located on the top of the helmet, as well as the outline of the island and various visual references to the TT distributed throughout the paintwork. The relationship between Arai and the Isle of Man TT is not recent. The Japanese company has been linked to the event for over four decades and currently holds the position of Official Helmet Partner. Several TT riders regularly use their helmets, including names like Michael Dunlop, Ian Hutchinson, Conor Cummins, and Josh Brookes.

Beyond aesthetics, the helmet maintains the technical characteristics of the RX-7V EVO. The brand highlights its protection philosophy based on a rounded shell designed to promote energy dispersion in case of impact. It also maintains Arai's R75 concept, a key element of the Japanese brand and one that remains fundamental to many of its safety developments.

The RX-7V EVO IOM TT 2026 Limited Edition is already available in limited quantities and has become an indispensable item for Isle of Man enthusiasts. After all, for many motorcyclists, the TT is much more than just a race. And now it can also be part of their daily lives.

If you were at Motorcycle Live at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, you’ll have already seen it: Arai Helmet Europe has pulled the covers off its 2026 Isle of Man TT special edition helmet.

The RX-7V EVO IoM TT 2026 Limited Edition is the 17th special Arai created around the legendary road race where Arai is the Official Helmet Partner. The annual Arai TT special has been a cornerstone of the partnership that spans more than four decades.

At the heart of the helmet is Arai’s iconic shell shape, inspired by one of nature’s strongest forms – the egg. That relentless focus on protection has driven Arai to create rounder, stronger, smoother shells designed to deliver outstanding glancing-off performance. By continuously working to minimise the impact energy that enters a helmet, Arai’s pursuit of protection has led to the R75 shell – trusted by riders and racers across the globe, including those who take on the Mountain Course.

Designed by longtime collaborator Drudi Performance, Arai’s IoM TT 2026 brings you another stunning look inspired by the world’s ultimate road race.

The livery, presented on the iconic RX-7V EVO, features a retro-style black, white and gold base, with striking swoosh lines that capture the adrenaline and speed of the TT. Vibrant highlights in red, orange and blue pull the whole design together, while the wraparound TT logo dominates the sides of the helmet so there’s no mistaking where your passion lies. Brilliant white Triskelions sit proudly on the chin and crown, with golden “Tourist Trophy” text tying the logo and lines together. On the rear, you’ll find Drudi’s thumbprint icon alongside a bright red outline of the 37.73-mile-long Mountain Course – a subtle nod to every respected mile.

The RX-7V EVO IoM TT 2026 Limited Edition will be available online from May 2026, and in limited quantities at the Arai store at TT 2026. 

 

Autonews