autoevolution

Not long ago, American space agency NASA completely shifted the focus of the Artemis program and all other Moon missions by moving from simple exploration to the creation of humanity’s first base on another world. Naturally, that announcement had everybody in the space industry scrambling to get the work on the base started.

Old-school German design meets modern technology in what looks like a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. The truth is that it is not. Underneath the retro skin does beat a Mercedes heart, but it is sitting on a Chrysler Crossfire underpinnings. However, what the builder asks for is by no means Chrysler money. So it is a 2004 Chrysler Crossfire at heart, sitting on a architecture, wearing Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing attire, painted in a Bentley color. It’s clear as mud, isn't it?

The famous sharkskin-inspired technology developed by Lufthansa Technik together with Surventis (formerly BASF Coatings) is already at work in the real world, across a multitude of aircraft, but this new project will focus on the newest generation of this technology, as well as the potential to expand its use. As bizarre as it may sound, the AeroSHARK technology was developed as a way to reduce fuel consumption and, implicitly harmful emissions.

It's been a long time since I’ve last reported on the Leonardo AW09 helicopter, and I kind of almost forgot it even existed. Yet, the design, meant to play the game in the 2.5 metric ton class, just popped back onto my radar after the engine it uses got cleared to fly in European airspace. The new helo, which was briefly referred to as the Kopter AW09, has been in the works for quite some time now.

Sometimes life seems to be moving slowly. And then it all speeds up for no reason, and you’re left having to deal with it. The most important thing is to keep calm and navigate through every obstacle, regardless of how challenging it might be. Mattel releases 15 Hot Wheels Mainline cases each year, which means we get an average of 1.25 cases per month or one case once every three weeks or so.

Although they don’t attack one another directly and openly, two of the planet’s biggest aircraft makers, Gulfstream and Bombardier, have had this kind of smoldering beef for about as long as they’ve known each other. That’s more than understandable, seeing how they fight for the same piece of the same pie, and at times even entertaining, as we get to see the two companies, one American and the other Canadian, go to extreme lengths to best each other where it matters most.

Two years ago, back in 2024, Italian bike maker Ducati took a big, bold step into the world of motocross with the launch of the Desmo450 MX. The bet seems to have been worth it, as professional riders love it so much it even spawned two successors already, the Desmo450 EDS and the Desmo250 MX. Well, if you really want to stretch things, you can now add a new model to the list, this time in LEGO form.

Some of the carmakers of our time are rapidly taking up positions so that they can make the most out of the nascent vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) industry. Some are investing in companies working on such things, while others have their own designs up their sleeves. But not Lexus, which, although it announced its entry into the air transportation business, still likes the good old way of doing things.

If you know the story of Vanpowers e-bikes, the one and the same we’ve tested on a couple occasions, you’re aware that this brand started out with one man selling bicycles out of the back of his van, hence the name. Eventually, it grew into a company that sells e-bikes worldwide. Well, it seems that they’re undertaking a new kind of industry, one that has nothing to do with bicycles.

What’s the hottest trend in the e-bike industry? Well, there are a couple, but one that I'm seeing countless manufacturers chasing, big and small, is the e-bike SUV. These two-wheelers are often seen crossing long and short distances, on and off-road, carrying cargo, towing trailers, you name it, a true all-rounder, if you will.