By SEMA News Editors
Toyota/Lexus GT3 Spotted Testing at 'The Ring'
SEMA News sources recently captured new images of Toyota and Lexus testing their road-legal GT3 sports car at Germany's Nürburgring Nordschleife.
As seen in the new images, the manufacturer is testing two different rear wing heights on the GT3, although it's unclear which will make it to production. The vehicle is also rumored to have a hybrid powertrain, according to some sources, but there is no visible charging port or usual yellow "electric vehicle" (EV) warning stickers.
Range Rover Sport EV Prototype Spied in Germany
The new Range Rover Sport EV, expected to hit United States showrooms next year, was recently spotted in Germany. An expected competitor to the Lotus Eletre and Porsche Cayenne EV, the Sport EV is one of six electric vehicles Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plans to launch by 2026 under its two brands.
The test car spotted in Germany shows key differences from the gas-powered version, such as covers replacing the exhaust pipes and a redesigned grille. The battery is housed between the axles, and while not visible in the photos, the charging port is likely behind the fuel filler cap, similar to the recently launched Range Rover Electric.
The Range Rover Sport EV will have four-wheel drive, maintaining the off-road capabilities of its gas-powered counterpart, including the ability to wade through water up to 33.5 in. deep. Performance metrics will rival the V8-powered Range Rover Sport SV, which produces 630 hp and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
Nissan Leaf Prototype Ditches Hatchback Design
In a major shift, the next-generation Nissan Leaf will no longer be a family hatchback, according to new images provided by SEMA News source, instead, transforming into a crossover SUV.
The styling cues, like the coupe-like roofline, squared-off rear and higher ride height, echo the Japanese brand's "Chill-Out" concept introduced in 2021. While the production model's headlight cluster may differ slightly from the initial concept, the new Leaf will likely feature Nissan's signature black V-motion grille and boomerang-style lights, reminiscent of the Nissan Ariya.
The Leaf is expected to be built on the Renault-Nissan AmpR Medium platform, offering some hints about its powertrain and battery specifications. According to insiders, the Leaf will likely align with other cars built on the platform, like the Renault Megane E-Tech, which is equipped with a 217hp electric motor and 60kWh battery, offering an estimated range of up to 280 miles.
Inside, the new Leaf will likely feature Nissan's latest infotainment system, based on Google's Android Automotive OS.
Nissan hasn't confirmed a release date yet, but rumors suggest that production could start as early as 2025, with a reveal possibly happening before the end of this year. The new Leaf will be manufactured at Nissan's Sunderland plant in the United King.