Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck
Ford won the recent Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in style with the new F-150 Lightning SuperTruck EV demonstrator vehicle, which bested 61 other competitors.
Created in partnership with STARD (Stohl Advanced Research and Development), this wild-looking pickup features a triple-element front wing, headlight ducts, hood ducts and louvres, multiple diffusers and a wing-to-end-all-wings that provides some serious downforce. The forged magnesium wheels are shod in Pirelli P-Zero tires, and everything sits on a custom suspension system.
Though not available to purchase, the SuperTruck advances electric powertrain development and will inform the design of future production models.
Heritage Customs Valiance Pickup
Netherlands-based Land Rover coachbuilder Heritage Customs is at it again, and the latest project is a truck variant of the modern Defender.
Take cues from both the Valiance Convertible and classic Land Rovers, this unique creation started life off as a Defender 130 before undergoing the pickup conversion. Everything is customizable including paint inside and out, decaling, type of premium leather upholstery, wheel size (20 to 22 inch), and accessories like the roof rack and full-size spare mounted above as seen here.
The cost? A cool €155,000 + VAT, though the price does include a Defender 130 X Dynamic SE and the labour and parts. The build takes about three months to complete.
2025 Rivian R1T/R1S
Only three years after its initial launch, Rivian has given the R1T, and the R1S, a number of updates for the EVs’ second generation.
Instead of using Bosch motors, the drive units for the Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor are now made in-house to increase efficiency and reduce cost. The latter pumps out an eye-watering 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft of torque, which are gains of 190 and 290, respectively, compared to the first gen. Three different batteries setups (Standard, Large and Max) continue to be offered, depending on configuration, and are also improved yielding up to an estimated 657 kilometres of range on a single charge.
Changes to the exterior and interior are minor — these included enhanced headlights and taillights and electronic tinting functionality to the glass roof.
2025 BMW X3
An all-new BMW X3 is on the way, introducing fresh styling, iDrive Operating System 9 infotainment and two TwinPower Turbo mild hybrid engine options.
Measuring 34 millimetres longer, 29 millimetres wider and 16 millimetres lower than the outgoing version, along with crisper body lines and angular LED headlamps, the crossover adopts a more planted, aggressive look. The iconic kidney grille is taller — but thankfully not iX-level tall — and merge with dual air intake element providing a distinctive look. Around back, paddle-shaped taillights and a prominent crease in the middle of the liftgate further differentiates the vehicle from previous iterations.
In the cabin, a large, curved display is the perfect companion to the built-in AirConsole video game system available to play when parked. Under the hood, the M50 xDrive grade utilizes a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine outputting 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, while the base 30 xDrive has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both take advantage of 48-volt starter-generator increasing acceleration feel and optimizing fuel consumption.
2025 Infiniti QX80
Coming later this summer is Infiniti’s reimagined flagship: the 2025 QX80.
The first model to debut the Artistry in Motion design language, the full-size SUV boasts a near-flat hood that meets an evolved diagonally-slatted double-arch grille drawing inspiration from bamboo forests. There are also ultra-thin signature daytime running lights, flush-mounted door handles, a long smoked taillamp bar housing 300 bright red LEDs, and 22-inch Layered Turbine alloy wheels. Inside, the interior is covered in semi-aniline leather, and the elegant and modern dashboard is comprised of two 14.3-inch screens powered by Google built-in software.
All three trims (Luxe, Sensory and Autograph) pack a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at MSRP $104,995 CAD.