First Look: Audi Unveils Ultra Luxurious Q9 Interior Ahead of July Wor

Review: 2026 Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider

As forced induction and electrification continue democratize horsepower throughout the automotive industry, luxury automakers have faced a growing challenge: how do you make an exotic machine feel special at a point in time when even mainstream vehicles offer jaw-dropping performance? Ferrari, to its notable credit, has answered this question in part by staying at the forefront of the latest technologies, as evidenced by cutting-edge entries like the SF90 and F80 – both of which utilize performance-tuned hybrid systems in conjunction with turbocharged engines and sophisticated all-wheel-drive setups. While those two mid-engine monsters offer truly stunning capability, there’s also a growing contingent of performance enthusiasts who yearn for the simpler days of long, curvaceous hoods, rear-wheel drive propulsion, and the banshee wail of a high-winding 12-cylinder engine at full chat. And that’s precisely where the 12Cilindri Spider stakes its claim. As the successor to the 812 Superfast, the 12Cilindri leverages clever active aerodynamics, advanced traction and stability control systems, and a trick four-wheel-steering system that manages the movement of each wheel independently to enhance cornering response, but it’s ultimately an homage to Ferrari’s storied V12 heritage. Aside from the no-nonsense name (which literally translates to “12 Cylinders”), the 12Cilindri’s exterior styling clearly takes some inspiration from the 365 GTB Daytona of the late 1960s. And rather than saddling its latest GT flagship with the complexities of bulky batteries, electric motors, turbochargers, and AWD, Ferrari has instead chosen to focus on the fundamentals that have made GT cars like the Daytona such enduring icons: elegant design, a finely honed chassis, and a truly spectacular naturally aspirated powerplant. It’s a 6.5-liter dry-sump V12 that produces 819 horsepower and revs to a searing 9,500 rpm. Ferrari only cites a deliberately ambiguous dry weight of 3,571 pounds for the Spider, which carries about 130 pounds of extra mass as compared to its coupe counterpart. But at a time when an alarming number of new performance cars are saddled with curb weights that start with a five, the potentially sub-4,000-pound 12Cilindri Spider feels lithe and unencumbered by countermeasures expressly designed to combat the laws of physics. Although its primary mission is to enable drivers to carve their way through picturesque locales at a lively pace without compromising comfort, the 12Cilindri has a notably more sports-car-like persona than the Aston Martin Vanquish – its closest rival – thanks in part to the Ferrari’s incredibly rigid chassis, dual-clutch gearbox, and earnestly performance-tuned suspension. While the eight-speed DCT occasionally takes a beat to get things going from a dead stop, and the hunkered-down stance makes the nose-lift feature a necessity when negotiating steep driveway aprons, the 12Cilindri Spider still manages to retain an admirable level of civility around town and out on the highway. Outfitted with a killer Burmester audio system, a retractable hard top that opens in just 14 seconds at speeds up to 28 mph, and sport seats that feature heating, ventilation, and adjustable bolstering as well as multiple massage routines, the 12Cilindri Spider can be a posh, effortless cruiser when called upon to do so. The only glaring deficiency in this regard comes from Ferrari’s HMI implementation, which utilizes frustratingly difficult-to-use capacitive surfaces on the steering wheel and the instrument panel to control features like adaptive cruise control and mirror adjustments, along with the various functions that are accessed via the 15.6-inch digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment system looks sharp and is quick to respond to inputs, Apple CarPlay conked out on more than one occasion during the few days I spent with the car. Nitpicks aside, one feature that definitely works as intended is the steering-wheel-mounted Manettino switch, which allows you to toggle between the available drive modes. Sport is the default, a naming decision which helps set ride quality expectations, but you can also press this switch like a button to enable Bumpy Road mode, which relaxes the adaptive dampers beyond their standard tuning for more compliance on rough pavement. Out in the canyons, I found myself more interested in the additional drama provided by Race mode. In contrast to convention, Ferrari chose to leave the steering, throttle mapping, and brake-by-wire settings the same in the Sport and Race modes for the sake of predictable response, instead heightening the driving experience when set to the latter by easing the electronic assists, ramping up the programming for the gearbox and the electronically-controlled rear differential, and – importantly – opening up the exhaust valves. While it’s still a little bit quieter than I’d prefer, even with the top down, the noise that this V12 makes while working its way past 9k is a soundtrack to your sweetest dreams. It took some conscious effort to stop myself from short-shifting the first few times I laid into the throttle with the gearbox in manual mode. The revs just seem to build endlessly. It’s also a decidedly different experience than what’s offered in the latest Vanquish. The Aston also features a 12-cylinder atomic bomb under its hood, but the crucial difference here is that the Vanquish’s lofty power figures are owed in part to turbocharging. This gives the Aston a substantial advantage in peak torque (738 lb-ft versus the 12Cilindri’s 500 pound-feet), but it also relegates its redline to a relatively pedestrian 7,000 rpm. The upshot is that not only does the 12Cilindri deliver a much more emotive soundtrack when you drop the hammer, it also feels significantly more buttoned down when called upon to hustle through a technical section of road. Its quick steering rack takes a moment to acclimate to, but it soon becomes apparent that the chassis, brakes, and powertrain have no problem keeping pace. <- Gallery -> The Manettino switch also has dedicated settings for partially or completely disabling the traction and stability control systems if you’re feeling brave (or prefer to do your grand touring sideways), but the intervention is so seamless when these systems are enabled that they rarely distract from the proceedings. While the Vanquish twists and shimmies as the powertrain and the electronics have a debate over the fastest way forward, the 12Cilindri just feels more planted and easier to trust when really hauling the mail. In an era when quadruple-digit horsepower has somehow become readily achievable for production cars, the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider is a reminder that character and emotion aren’t attributes that can be easily quantified on a spec sheet. There will be a time – probably in the foreseeable future – where folks will gaze into the open clamshell hood of a 12Cilindri and say, "Man, they don’t make ’em like this anymore." Like it or not, the days of the unassisted Ferrari V12 are almost certainly coming to a close. With that in mind, well-heeled traditionalists would be wise to savor the moment. View All Ferrari 12Cilindris For Sale Images: Bradley Iger

First Look: Audi Unveils Ultra Luxurious Q9 Interior Ahead of July World Premiere

Ahead of its July 29 world premiere, the German automaker has previewed its first full-size SUV with automatic doors, immersive 4D sound, and a panoramic smart glass roof

by Khris Bharath – May 11, 2026

For years, the Audi Q8 has represented the sportier side of Audi’s flagship SUV lineup, while the three-row Audi Q7 served as the brand’s largest family-focused utility vehicle. But despite its practicality, the Q7 remained positioned below full-size rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and long-wheelbase versions of the Range Rover. That will soon change with the arrival of the new Audi Q9

Ahead of the model’s official debut on July 29, Audi released an early look inside the Q9, and the details suggest Ingolstadt is targeting the same space occupied by the aforementioned ultra-premium family haulers and executive transport vehicles from across the luxury segment.

That intention becomes clear the moment you open the doors, with an extensive suite of flagship-level features to be offered. For the first time on an Audi production vehicle, every door is electrically operated, and they can be opened through the key, the myAudi app, the MMI system, the brake pedal, or even the seatbelt buckle. Surround sensors and obstacle detection can stop the doors automatically if cyclists, walls, or nearby vehicles are detected, a useful addition for tight urban parking garages and crowded school pickup lanes.

“With the Q9, ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ is increasingly defined by the in-car experience. Cars have long been much more than just a means of transportation; they are mobile living spaces for our customers.” - Gernot Döllner, CEO, Audi.

Inside, the Q9 offers six or seven seat configurations, with the optional six-seat layout transforming the second row into something closer to a private jet cabin, with individual electrically adjustable captain’s chairs featuring active ventilation integrated into both the seat cushions and backrests. Audi says all three second-row seats in the seven-seat configuration can accommodate child seats simultaneously, which is an increasingly important requirement for large families.

The panoramic roof alone measures nearly 16 square feet, and its nine independently controlled glass sections can switch from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button, eliminating the need for a traditional sunshade. Higher trim levels add 84 integrated LEDs that illuminate the cabin in 30 ambient colors. We've previously seen similar variable light control tech on the Porsche Taycan.

Audi has also leaned heavily into sensory technology. The updated high-end Bang & Olufsen 4D audio system combines headrest speakers, surround sound functionality, and seat-mounted actuators that will allow occupants to feel bass and musical rhythm through the seats themselves, for an even more immersive experience while on the move. The system also syncs with the interaction light strip running across the dashboard, matching lighting patterns and colors to album artwork and music playback.

Material quality is also a major focus here. Audi confirmed new upholstery options, including alpaca wool blends, Dinamica microfiber, fine Nappa leather, and matte natural wood finishes designed specifically to reduce fingerprints and glare. New colors like Tamarind Brown and Stone Beige further separate the Q9 from Audi’s existing SUV lineup.

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As for practicality and convenience features, the Q9 introduces dual Qi2.2 wireless charging pads, 100-watt USB-C ports, and a new three-dimensional cargo rail system in the trunk that allows luggage and loose items to be secured without sacrificing floor space. The full reveal of the Audi Q9 arrives later this summer, with full specifications, pricing, and additional details set to follow. Watch this space.