AUTONEWS

Transparent cooling film cuts car cabin temperature by 6.1°C without electricity

A transparent radiative cooling film technology that dissipates heat directly to the outside without consuming electricity has been developed to reduce vehicle overheating during summer. The technology was validated through real-vehicle experiments conducted under diverse conditions—including different countries, seasons, and both parking and driving scenarios—and demonstrated the ability to lower cabin temperatures by up to 6.1°C and reduce cooling energy consumption by more than 20%.

Seoul National University College of Engineering announced that a research team led by Prof. Seung Hwan Ko (Department of Mechanical Engineering, SNU), in collaboration with Prof. Gang Chen at MIT and research teams from Hyundai Motor Company and Kia (Materials Research & Engineering Center and Thermal Energy Total Development Group), has designed and fabricated a large-area Scalable Transparent Radiative Cooling (STRC) film applicable to vehicle windows. Through real-vehicle evaluations conducted under various climatic and driving conditions, the team demonstrated both energy-saving and carbon reduction effects.

Conceptual illustration of vehicle application of large-area transparent radiative cooling filmThis figure presents the concept of applying a four-layer STRC film to vehicle glass, which simultaneously achieves visible light transmission, near-infrared reflection, and mid-infrared emission. Credit: Energy & Environmental Science

Vehicles exposed to solar radiation in summer experience rapid increases in cabin temperature, resulting in substantial cooling energy consumption. Conventional automotive Low-E coatings and tinting films can partially block incoming solar radiation but fail to effectively dissipate heat already accumulated inside the vehicle, thereby limiting their cooling performance.

Radiative cooling technology, which has attracted attention as an alternative, simultaneously blocks incoming solar energy and emits internal heat to the outside, enabling passive cooling without electricity. However, most previously developed radiative cooling materials are opaque, making them unsuitable for application to vehicle windows, which are the primary entry points for heat.

To overcome this limitation, the research team developed a large-area transparent radiative cooling film with a multilayer structure that maintains over 70% visible light transmittance, reflects near-infrared solar radiation, and emits heat from the vehicle interior in the mid-infrared range. This film suppresses temperature rise inside the vehicle without consuming electrical energy and reduces the time required to reach thermal comfort, thereby minimizing energy consumption in electric vehicles.

Analysis of CO₂ emission reduction in the United States based on vehicle evaluations in summer and winterBased on evaluations of cabin temperature and heating/cooling energy consumption under parking conditions in both summer and winter, this analysis estimates the potential reduction in carbon dioxide emissions if the STRC technology were applied to vehicles across the United States. Credit: Energy & Environmental Science, originally published in Energy & Environmental Science

Real-vehicle experiments conducted across different climatic regions—including Korea, the United States, and Pakistan—and under varying conditions such as summer and winter, as well as parking and driving scenarios, confirmed that vehicles equipped with the STRC film consistently maintained lower cabin temperatures under all conditions.

Notably, the cooling energy savings achieved in summer significantly outweighed any increase in heating demand during winter. In addition, simulations based on real vehicle data showed that the time required to reach a comfortable cabin condition after activating the air conditioner was reduced by 17 minutes. According to the research team's analysis, applying this technology to all passenger vehicles in the United States could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 25.4 million tons annually—equivalent to removing about 5 million vehicles from the road.

First author Min Jae Lee (Seoul National University/Hyundai Motor Company–Kia) stated, "This study is particularly meaningful in that it goes beyond laboratory-scale performance and validates the technology using real vehicles under diverse national, seasonal, and operational conditions."

Prof. Ko added, "This is the first study to experimentally demonstrate that transparent radiative cooling technology can be effectively applied in real vehicle environments."

Hyundai's Nano Cooling Film...The product, called Nano Cooling Film, would be applied to the vehicle's windows. According to the company, internal temperatures could be reduced by more than 22°C.

Announced in 2023, the film blocks external thermal energy while allowing internal heat to escape.

Hyundai tested the product's effectiveness by applying the film to 70 vehicles in Lahore, Pakistan. In the region, temperatures reach an incredible 50°C, and curtains are prohibited for safety reasons.

The test results showed a 10.98°C reduction in the driver's seat temperature compared to conventional tinted film.

The thermometers also registered 12.33°C less compared to the same vehicle without tinted windows.

On the car's interior surfaces, the film reduced the surface temperature by 15.38°C compared to a vehicle with conventional film and by 22°C compared to one without film.

Provided by Seoul National University

AUTONEWS

Consumer Reports: the most reliable car manufacturers aren't European

There are consumers who prefer powerful cars, others who prioritize economical ones, and there are even those who favor more spacious or comfortable models, but what no driver appreciates are vehicles that insist on breaking down on the side of the road, or that need constant repairs at the workshop. Consumer Reports (CR) conducts an annual reliability study, in which it directly contacts owners to determine which brands and vehicles have fewer reliability problems, and in 2025 alone, 380,000 drivers were surveyed about the problems and difficulties created by their vehicles.

The most recent edition of the CR study once again pointed to vehicles with simpler mechanics as those that tend to exhibit higher levels of reliability, with more complex models being penalized, especially the most recent ones or those that have benefited from a greater number of improvements or updates. One way to summarize the study's conclusions is to point to the superior reliability of models with combustion engines. Among electrified vehicles, purely hybrid ones shine, registering the fewest problems. On the opposite end of the spectrum, that is, with lower reliability, are 100% electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

The 2025 ranking was led by exactly the same manufacturers. Toyota took first place, with 66 points, followed by Subaru (63) and Lexus (60), while in 2024 the top three most reliable brands were Subaru (68), Lexus (65) and Toyota (62), confirming the traditional build quality of Japanese brands. The 4th position in the ranking belonged to another Japanese manufacturer, Honda (59), with the first European manufacturer appearing in 5th place, BMW with 58 points.

The top 10 also includes Nissan (57) in 6th place, Acura (Honda's luxury brand) in 7th, and Buick (51) in 8th, with Tesla (50) in 9th place. Tesla climbed the most in the CR ranking, having been only 17th in 2024 with 36 points. Kia (49) completes the top 10 most reliable brands, being the first South Korean manufacturer, beating Ford (48), Hyundai (48), Audi (44), Mazda (43), and Volvo (42), which took 15th place.

The top 20 also includes Volkswagen (42) in 16th place, followed by Chevrolet (42), Cadillac (41), Mercedes (41), and Lincoln (40). It's important to remember that this CR study takes place in the USA, which means that some of the brands represented are not sold in Europe, and the same is true for the models. But there are indeed many manufacturers that market their vehicles on both sides of the Atlantic, which justifies the interest of Europeans in this annual reliability ranking.

A brief analysis of the CR ranking allows us to conclude the aforementioned Japanese superiority in terms of reliability, placing six Japanese representatives in the top 10, but also highlighting the good performance of BMW — with the 2 Series achieving 73 points and the X3 only 42 — and Tesla, with the latter having the Model Y scoring 81 points, but being hampered by the presence of the Cybertruck with only 34. As for European manufacturers, in addition to BMW's 5th place, you have to wait until 13th position to find Audi (which was 7th in 2024, ahead of BMW), until 15th position to discover Volvo, with VW appearing in 16th and Mercedes in 19th place.

by Autonews

RENAULT

Renault 4 Roland-Garros E-Tech electric

Renault is the premium partner of the Roland-Garros tournament for the fifth time, and this spring it is bringing a spectacle – the Renault 4 Roland-Garros E-Tech electric show-car. It will have its official premiere on May 18 at the Porte d’Auteuil stadium. This car is not just a design experiment, but a preview of a future production version that will hit the market in the fall of 2026.

The Glacier White bodywork emphasizes contrasts: black pillars and roof arches, silver details with the Roland-Garros symbol, as well as 18-inch Parisienne wheels with brown terracotta centers. The front and rear bumpers carry the same terracotta tones, clearly reminiscent of the clay – the surface that defines this tournament.

''In this "sporty chic" interpretation, the Renault 4 Roland-Garros E-Tech electric show-car extends the very atmosphere of the tournament through its choice of materials and colour. The opening canvas roof evokes the open sky above the courts, a roofless space where players breathe as freely as spectators. Clay is subtly present in the terracotta accents, the tournament's foundational surface and signature of its identity. Even the gestures become a tribute: the e-pop shifter gear lever tip, inspired by the grip of tennis rackets, turns driving into a direct reference to tennis. The lightweight, structured white technical knit fabric echoes performance attire. The blue stitching and finishes reinforce the idea of a sport that is both demanding and elegant, where technical mastery elevates style''...Paula Fabregat-Andreu, Design Projects Director, Renault brand

A special attraction is the Plein Sud version with an electric black canvas roof. A 92×80 cm opening turns the cabin into a bright arena, evoking the feeling of an open tennis court.

The cabin is designed as an extension of the sports field. The seats are made of recycled material in light gray, reminiscent of technical sportswear. The backrests are embossed with the Roland-Garros logo, while the gear lever is shaped like the handle of a tennis racket.

A special attraction is the Plein Sud version with an electric black canvas roof. A 92×80 cm opening turns the cabin into a bright arena, evoking the feeling of an open tennis court.

A special attraction is the Plein Sud version with an electric black canvas roof. A 92×80 cm opening turns the cabin into a bright arena, evoking the feeling of an open tennis court.

Inside, Renault 4 Roland-Garros E-Tech electric features custom light grey front and rear upholstery made from fully recycled material, with a graphic weave that brings to mind technical sportswear. The upholstery includes open-weave features, primarily in the H of the front backrests. The overall effect is enhanced by side supports and an armrest sheathed in blue refined textile. The backrests of the front seats feature a heat-embossed Roland-Garros logo.

The front and rear door panels and lower dashboard strip include inserts matching the seat fabric, alongside the blue refined textile and a small French flag. On the dashboard, the vertical cross strip features an anodised metal finish with a backlit area displaying the name “Roland Garros Paris”.

The tip of the special e-pop shifter is inspired by the grip of tennis rackets, with the Roland Garros logo at the end, in the same way as on the base of a racket. The centre console features a clay-coloured wireless charging pad. Clay-coloured floor mats with the R4 logo add the finishing touch to the interior. Last, the brushed aluminium door sills with the name “Roland-Garros Paris” also feature the Cross of Saint Andrew, reflecting the architecture of the stadium.

Accessories in the color of clay – a wireless charger and floor mats – add warmth and clearly connect the car to the identity of the tournament. The door sills feature the inscription “Roland-Garros Paris” with the cross of Saint Andrew, a symbol of the stadium’s architecture.

Renault goes a step further – through the hello reno app, users will be able to explore the car in augmented reality, changing the colors, the roof and observing every detail from different angles.

As Paula Fabregat-Andreu, Director of Design Projects, said: “The canvas roof evokes the open sky above the court, the terracotta accents are reminiscent of clay, and the gear lever turns the drive into a direct reference to tennis.”

Renault doesn’t stop at design. As an official transport partner, it provides a fleet of 188 vehicles, 88% of which are electrified. The most notable are the Scenic E-Tech electric and the Rafale hyper hybrid 4×4 300, while autonomous electric minibuses reconnect the Porte d’Auteuil with the tournament village.

Renault is also using the power of sports ambassadors. In the “The Lines” commercial, Lois Boisson, Arthur Fils and Flavio Cobolli appear with the Renault 4 Roland-Garros, while Francisco Cerundolo promotes the Boreal model. This clearly links the sporting identity with automotive innovation.

The Renault 4 Roland-Garros E-Tech electric is not just a car – it is a manifesto of design, technology and sporting spirit. Its premiere at the most famous tennis tournament in the world gives it symbolic weight, while the production version announced for autumn 2026 promises to combine tradition and future in one model.

by Autonews

AUTONEWS

Surgical strike in California: unknown perpetrators dismantle a 911 piece by piece

Tell the truth, if you found your car wrecked like this, what would you do? Especially a supercar like the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (see the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C). In short, a tear would be justified…

Well, in Los Angeles, California, a city where crimes against valuable cars are no longer surprising, a new theft has struck with its precision and speed. The carcass of the German supercar turned up on a street, stripped of almost everything that could be removed and resold. The incident shows how even GPS trackers can be insufficient when the operation is meticulously planned.

Few structural elements remained of the car. Gone were the wheels, suspension, transmission, and engine, as well as numerous exterior and interior components. The perpetrators didn't limit themselves to the accessories that were easiest to remove, but also targeted the spare parts with the highest market value. Some online observers didn't even recognize the model, so stripped was it, speculating that it was a completely stripped-down Mazda MX-5, making it so difficult to recognize the carcass.

Upon closer inspection, the pedals and rear line made it clear that the base is a 992 model; therefore, quite recent. The hood, doors, fenders, bumpers, headlights, and retractable roof were missing. The cabin was also empty: no seats, steering wheel, instruments, or infotainment. What appears to be a wreck is actually a modern supercar reduced to a simple metal body.

When Los Angeles police came across what was left of a black Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, it barely resembled a car at all. What lay on the road was little more than a stripped-down shell, "cleaned" with a precision that leaves no room for comment.

The vehicle is missing its wheels, suspension, 6-cylinder engine, PDK transmission, and a large portion of its exterior and interior components. Most thieves are looking for an easy way out by stealing headlights or rims, but whoever did this went all the way. Almost every valuable part was stolen, leaving behind little more than a bare metal shell, including a few cables hanging out as the only sign that the car was once "whole."

Some online initially thought it was a stripped-down Mazda MX-5, but a closer look at the details reveals what model it really is, including the pedals, the shape of the rear trunk lid, and more. It's clear why the car wasn't easy to identify, with the hood, bumpers, front fenders, doors, tailgate, engine cover, convertible top and lights missing.

The interior is also completely destroyed, with the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel, infotainment, dashboard, centre console, audio system, airbags and seat belts all gone. All that remains are the sill plates, proving that this was a "low-end" Carrera trim, not a more desirable model with better specifications.

The sought-after parts on the market can fetch serious money when sold individually, and often fetch more than the entire car. By discarding the bodywork, the thieves also leave behind one thing: the chassis with the number.

Police have confirmed the car was stolen and said the owner has been notified. The case has now been handed over to detectives, who will try to solve the case.

Although the chassis appears structurally undamaged, that doesn't really matter. To acquire and reinstall everything that is missing would cost much more than the car is worth.

Recovery? Almost impossible...The only remaining element truly useful to investigators is the chassis, with the vehicle identification number (VIN). The police have confirmed the theft and contacted the owner while the investigation continues. Financially, however, the fate seems sealed: buying back and reinstalling everything would cost more than the car's residual value. Therefore, the vehicle risks ending up as scrap, unless the insurance company intervenes.

This 992-generation Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet was recently recovered by the LAPD Central Traffic Division in Los Angeles after being meticulously stripped to its bare chassis by thieves. 

Key details of the "operation"(below):

Methodical stripping: The thieves demonstrated professional, surgical precision, removing the engine, wheels, suspension, PDK gearbox, all body panels, doors, and the convertible roof.

Gutted interior: The interior was completely removed, including the seats, dashboard, instrument cluster, infotainment system, steering wheel, and airbags.

Unrecognizable Shell: The gutted, black shell was so thoroughly dismantled that onlookers initially speculated it was a kit car or a stripped Mazda MX-5.

Suspected chop shop: The precision and speed of the disassembly suggest the involvement of a professional organized crime ring targeting luxury vehicles for black-market parts.

Autonews

 

VW

Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI covers more than 1,500 km with a single tank

The diesel Golf continues to prove that this increasingly popular technology has not had the last word. With extremely low consumption and a long range, the Golf remains one of the most sensible choices for drivers who cover higher mileages, especially since it covers more than 28 kilometers with a liter of "oil".

In the age of electrification, the Golf diesel shows that efficiency can still be simple and very profitable. In a regular test conducted by the Motor1 editorial team on the famous Rome-Forli route, the Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 150 HP DSG R-Line Plus confirms its status as a benchmark in its class in 2026 when it comes to driving characteristics, technology, build quality, but also extremely low fuel consumption.

Since its inception, the Volkswagen Golf has been one of the key models in the popularization of diesel engines. German manufacturer Volkswagen has been offering diesel versions of this model for over 50 years, and although they are now under pressure from increasingly strict environmental regulations, diesels still have their place in the market.

Although diesel cars are no longer as dominant as they once were, the Golf is still offered in a version with a 2.0 TDI engine. It was this variant that was the subject of this real-world consumption test on the already familiar route on which many cars have been tested.

With this result, the Golf ranks among the three best diesel cars in terms of real-world consumption. It surpasses models such as the Mercedes A180 d Automatic and the BMW 118d, while only the Mercedes B 180 d variants and the newer A-class models achieved a better result.

In mixed driving conditions, which include city and open road, the average consumption is around 5.4 l/100 km, which allows a theoretical range of approximately 925 kilometers on one tank. On the highway, where engine loads are higher and speeds are consistently high, consumption increases slightly to around 5.6 l/100 km, with a range of around 900 kilometers.

However, the real power of this diesel model comes to the fore in economical driving on open roads, where consumption can drop to just 3.0 l/100 km. In such conditions, the total range exceeds an impressive 1,600 kilometers, which places this model among the most efficient cars in its class.

During the test, the real-world consumption average was 3.5 l/100 km, while the trip computer showed a slightly higher value of 3.6 l/100 km, and the measurement at the pump even lower – 3.4 l/100 km. Such uniformity confirms the accuracy of the system and the reality of the results achieved.

When everything is translated into costs, it is clear why diesel still makes sense for drivers who cover higher mileages. The total fuel cost on the 360-kilometer test section was only 22 euros, while the average monthly cost for about 800 kilometers of driving would be just under 50 euros.

Also, with only 20 euros of fuel, it is possible to travel about 327 kilometers, while a full tank with an average of 3.5 liters allows a range of more than 1,400 kilometers, which further confirms the economy of this model.

Autonews

 

HONDA

Tolman Honda Integra Type R restomod

The small British company Tolman has chosen the legendary Honda Integra Type R for the restomod project, and buyers of all four planned copies will ultimately receive technically improved cars that are indistinguishable from the originals inside and out.

An example of a conservative approach to the increasingly popular restoration and modification process comes from the small British company Tolman, which has chosen the legendary Integra Type R for one of its latest projects – a lightweight Coupé that once had the best lap time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife track in the front-wheel drive production car category.

Tolman's Integra Type R restomod still uses the famous Honda B18 engine. However, the company rebuilds the powerplant to factory specifications, so buyers get one as good as a new one from a dealer. The restoration also included replacing all brake and fluid lines, installing new suspension bushings, and installing fresh springs and dampers. The refinished original wheels wear a set of Michelin Pilot Exalto 2 tires.

Tolman does each build as a one-off. The Integra is one of four cars it's assembling this year. The company previously built a Peugeot 205 GTI restomod and also restores vehicles.

Tolman uses what it calls a "non-invasive restomod approach." This means the vehicle appears stock, but there are hundreds of hours of work in the restoration. The revisions include new, hand-formed pieces for the rear quarter panels and wheel arches because the company couldn't source replacement parts of a high enough quality. The process took 180 hours of fabrication and fitment. Underneath the skin, Tolman used seam sealer and cavity spray to protect the chassis from any future corrosion.

"When the panels are not available, you either compromise or make them yourself. We’ll never compromise, so the answer was clear. The result is a build that stays true to the Integra, is sharp to drive and can be used with confidence."- Chris Tolman, company founder

The Honda Integra Type R is widely considered to be one of the finest front-wheel drive performance cars ever built. Which makes this particular example one of the finest of the finest, because it’s been rebigulated by noted rebigulators Tolman.

That’s the same Tolman that worked a bit of magic on the Peugeot 205 GTI a while back, and has here subjected an owner’s Integra Type R to a “sympathetic restomod”. Unsurprisingly, this owner also has a Tolman 205 GTI in the garage.

Interior work didn’t require as much attention as the rear seat had hardly been used. However, the front seats had faded but Tolman found NOS material – in Australia.

The treatment then, is less ‘shove a V6 inside a bespoke racing shell and clothe it in expensive carbon fibre panels’, and more along the lines of something you’d basically want to do to your own modern classic.

Tolman stripped the whole thing down to discover a fair bit of rust lurking underneath, so repaired and remade structural bits and stuck them on, and then future-proofed it using tonnes (not literally) of underseal. That alone took 180 hours of labour.

The first step involves restoring the Integra to its bare body, where any corrosion and previous damage are repaired, and all body panels that cannot be adequately repaired are replaced with new and identical hand-made panels, which fully corresponds to the philosophy of preserving the original appearance.

After 180 working hours, the thoroughly restored body goes into the anti-corrosion protection process, followed by painting according to today's standards. In this particular case, the owner of the old/new Integra opted for a dark green shade (Sorrento Green).

On the mechanical front the engine was fully re-built, brake and fluid lines replaced. Suspension-wise new bushings, springs and Nitron dampers were fitted while the Enkei 15-inch alloys were re-furbished and fitted with Michelin Pilot Exalto 2 treads.

Refreshed with original parts, under the front hood remains the 1.8-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated VTEC engine B18C, which develops a standard 190 hp at 8,000 rpm and 178 Nm of maximum torque at 7,300 rpm, which provides the factory 234 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.

The invisible change in the cabin with renewed materials that are indistinguishable from the original refers to the installation of slightly more sound insulation, which makes the Integra more pleasant in everyday use, and the part of the story related to the modifications falls on Michelin tires measuring 195/55 on the original white 15-inch rims, more capacious brakes and new shock absorbers that will help the Integra demonstrate its handling even better.

Then came the colour. The Integra was originally Championship White, but because said owner already owned said Tolman 205, the Honda was paint matched to that car’s ‘Sorrento Green’.

The hand-built 1.8-litre VTEC four-cylinder was rebuilt and subtly enhanced to match what it delivered the day it was made – 190bhp. Elsewhere, brake and fluid lines were replaced, the suspension was refurbished (new springs, bushes and Nitron dampers), and the wheels were refinished and shod in modern rubber.

While the rear seats were in “excellent” condition, the fronts… were not. So Tolman sourced new-old seat material from Australia to retrim them. All in, Tolman expended 740 hours (and a no doubt thoroughly enjoyable 100-mile validation run) restoring the old Japanese hero to something that’s dailyable.

“The brief started with a colour change to sit alongside the owner’s Tolman Edition 205 GTI, but once we stripped the car we could see it deserved the full job done properly,” said Chris Tolman.

“When the panels are not available you either compromise or make them yourself. We’ll never compromise, so the answer was clear. The result is a build that stays true to the Integra, is sharp to drive and can be used with confidence.”

It’s the first of four one-off customer commissions Tolman will do this year, alongside building that 205, too.

From the first sanding of the bare bodywork to the end of the job, Tolman spends about 740 working hours, and the restored and discreetly modified Integra Type R travels just over 160 test kilometers before being delivered to the customer. The company, which has insisted on restomod projects without disturbing the original appearance since 2007, will provide a new beginning for three more Integras this year.

Autonews

GM

Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Goliath 700 - "The machine designed to tackle extreme terrain with competence and robustness"

In the United States, where pickup trucks are more than just vehicles – they're cultural symbols – Chevrolet has always occupied a central place with its Silverado line. And at the top of that hierarchy is the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, a machine designed to tackle extreme terrain with competence and robustness.

But for Hennessey Performance, a world reference in high-performance engineering, even that wasn't enough. It is in this context that the impressive Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Goliath 700 now emerges – a radical reinterpretation that transforms an off-road pickup into something much closer to a raised supercar.

It all starts under the hood. The already respected 6.2-liter V8 of the Silverado ZR2 undergoes a profound transformation. Hennessey adds a twin-screw supercharger system with an air-to-water intercooler and complete recalibration of the electronic management, raising the power to an impressive 700 hp and 828 Nm of torque.

The result is as brutal as it is unexpected: a full-size pickup capable of accelerating from 0 to 96 km/h in just 4.2 seconds – numbers that until recently were the exclusive territory of sports cars.

But reducing the Goliath 700 to numbers would be to ignore its true purpose. The transformation goes far beyond the engine. The ZR2's structural base is enhanced with a suspension system revised by BDS, combined with sophisticated Multimatic DSSV shock absorbers, guaranteeing control and stability both on and off-road.

The 20-inch wheels shod with 35-inch off-road tires reinforce this duality: a vehicle capable of accelerating like a sports car and, at the same time, tackling trails with authority.

Visually, the Goliath 700 doesn't try to be discreet – nor should it. Exposed carbon fiber elements, such as the new hood with functional air intake and details on the tailgate, give the model its own identity. Reinforced steel bumpers, integrated LED lighting – including an imposing front bar – and exclusive badges complete a package that conveys strength even when stationary.

Inside, the approach is more subtle, but still exclusive. Details such as embroidered headrests, custom floor mats, and a numbered plaque reinforce the limited nature of the model – a constant reminder that each unit is part of an extremely restricted series.

And here's an essential point: production is limited to just 100 units. Each example, sold for $139,950, comes with Hennessey's own warranty, consolidating not only the performance but also the reliability of the package.

In the competitive arena, the Goliath 700 emerges as a direct response to machines like the Ford Raptor R and Ram TRX – pickups that transformed the concept of a utility vehicle into something close to an off-road muscle car. And, with its supercharged 700 hp, it finally puts Chevrolet on that same level… or even beyond.

Ultimately, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Goliath 700 by Hennessey is not just a modified vehicle. It's an affirmation that, even in a world increasingly focused on electrification, there's still room for mechanical excess, for the sound of a supercharged V8, and for the visceral experience that only American engineering – especially when it passes through the hands of Texan specialists – is capable of delivering.

The name ‘Goliath’ is no coincidence. In biblical tradition, Goliath symbolizes strength and imposing presence – and here it gains a new modern interpretation: a giant pickup that not only dominates difficult terrain but also accelerates with the ferocity of a true supercar.

Autonews