Matthew Macconnell

Emelia Hartford reflects on becoming Pikes Peak's 'Queen of the Mountain,' setting a historic women's record, and why the iconic hill climb tested her like no other.

The Aston Martin Valhalla, a hypercar developed with F1 DNA, delivers an exhilarating driving experience across France. Boasting a 1,064 bhp hybridized V8 and advanced active aerodynamics, it generates over 600 kg of downforce. Its striking design features low, wide proportions and integrated aero elements, making it look fast even when stationary. Despite its immense power and wide stance, the Valhalla is surprisingly easy to drive, offering incredible feedback and a comfortable ride. It commands significant attention on the road, with its powerful engine note and electric whine. While toll booths present a minor challenge due to its dihedral doors, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, making it a highly recommended, albeit largely sold-out, addition to any collection.

Concours of Elegance Germany is poised to host a premier automotive event this weekend, July 4-5, at Gut Kaltenbrunn on Lake Tegernsee. Forty-two historically significant automobiles, spanning nine decades, will vie for top honors. A major highlight is the curated celebration of Maserati's centenary, featuring rare models like the 1955 300 S and 1959 3500 GT Prototype. The diverse lineup also includes pre-war masterpieces such as a 1939 Horch 855 and 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K, alongside racing icons like a 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C and a 1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing. Unconventional cars, including the 1987 Sbarro Alcador, and modern supercars will also be showcased, cementing the event's status as a leading European destination for enthusiasts.

Rolls-Royce has revealed the Phantom Regatta, a unique Phantom Extended commission celebrating Britain's rich sailing heritage. Inspired by racing yachts and the prestigious Solent regattas, this one-off vehicle is set to debut at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Its exterior features a distinctive two-tone Regatta Blue and English White finish, artfully mimicking a yacht's hull meeting the water. The cabin continues the maritime theme with Navy Blue and Grace White leather, intricate Royal Walnut veneers crafted to resemble yacht decks, and a hand-painted "Watercolour" Gallery artwork depicting ocean waves. A bespoke Starlight Headliner illustrates tidal currents, while hidden coordinates subtly link the car to its Goodwood origins. This exquisite creation interprets nautical themes through unparalleled craftsmanship and subtle design cues.

The BMW iX3, launched in Europe in March 2026, is an award-winning all-electric SUV offered in three trims starting at £53,250. Standard features include 20-inch alloys, LED lights, and BMW's innovative Panoramic iDrive system. The iX3 50 xDrive boasts a 500-mile WLTP range, while the iX3 40 provides 360-395 miles, both supporting rapid DC charging from 10-80% in about 20 minutes. Its "extraordinary" interior features a full-dash screen, comfortable seating, and practical storage. Driving dynamics are lauded for progressive acceleration (469bhp in the 50 model), direct steering, and smooth handling over rough roads. Though the exterior design initially divided opinion, the reviewer found it grew on them, ultimately praising the iX3 as a superior electric SUV offering exceptional value and driving experience for its segment.

Ferrari has unveiled the 12Cilindri Manuale, marking the return of a three-pedal V12 supercar. It features a new "Manuale by-wire" system, an electronically controlled transmission meticulously designed to recreate the feel, resistance, and sound of a traditional stick shift without mechanical linkages. Based on the standard 12Cilindri's 8-speed dual-clutch, it incorporates a gear lever and clutch pedal engineered for classic manual operation, including physical feedback and the ability to stall. Paired exclusively with Ferrari's naturally aspirated V12, this limited-production model (1,499 units) aims to forge a stronger driver-machine connection, delighting enthusiasts who believed manual V12 Ferraris were a thing of the past.

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Aston Martin has unveiled "Dreadnought," a digital-only tactical SUV created exclusively for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Developed with Infinity Ward, this marks Aston Martin's most ambitious gaming collaboration, blending luxury design with fast-paced combat. Unlike previous tie-ins, Dreadnought was designed from scratch as an original military-spec vehicle, giving designers creative freedom. It features signature Aston Martin styling like Chiltern Green paint and a V12 engine sound, combined with armored, all-wheel-drive capabilities for the game's demanding environments. This virtual SUV expands Aston Martin's presence into popular first-person shooters, aiming to connect with younger audiences and future luxury consumers. A full-size model will be displayed at Fanatics Fest, ahead of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's launch on October 23, 2026.