Motorsport

Koenigsegg's First V8 Client Gemera Breaks Cover at the Aurora Concours in Sweden

Three years after Koenigsegg confirmed a V8-powered version of its four-seat Gemera, the first customer example has finally been showcased in public. The hypercar maker unveiled the car this weekend at the Aurora Concours in Båstad, Sweden, finished in a vivid Johan Röd paint over Engel Svart leather and Alcantara with red stitching accents. This particular client, Gemera, is equipped with the full Crystal Clear sound system, bespoke red-tinted Ghosts on the Aircore seats, and rides on Trofast Aircore carbon wheels. The powertrain pairs a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter hot V8 with Koenigsegg's Dark Matter electric motor via the brand's nine-speed Lightspeed Tourbillon Transmission (LSTT), a four-wheel torque-vectoring system that can send power independently to each wheel. Combined output is 2,300 horsepower, with a sub-2.0-second dash to 60 mph and a top speed in excess of 240 mph. The Gemera was the cover car in a feature we did last year on the most powerful production cars in the world. <- Gallery -> "Today is a big milestone for Koenigsegg, as we roll out the most technically advanced and most ambitious program in our history." - Christian von Koenigsegg, Founder, CEO, Koenigsegg The Gemera realizes a dream von Koenigsegg has held for decades, a proper four-seat, high-performance supercar capable of seating four two-meter adults in comfort with room for luggage. The idea traces back to his childhood, when he first saw his friend's father's Lotus Excel. According to von Koenigsegg, the Gemera itself began taking shape in the mid-2000s, long before its eventual reveal. It first broke cover in 2020 with three electric motors and a tiny twin-turbo three-cylinder engine, and we’ve followed the story from its evolving design phase to its first driveable prototype testing phase in 2022. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Christian von Koenigsegg (@heycvk) The production-spec hybrid version was revised in 2023 to employ Koenigsegg's single Dark Matter motor, lifting output to 1,400 horsepower, and news that the V8 variant was on the production line surfaced earlier this year in March. Production of the Gemera is capped at 300 units, a ceiling set at the car's original 2020 unveiling. Koenigsegg has confirmed all 300 build slots are already accounted for. Original pricing started from $1.7 million, though the industry estimates have placed fully specified V8 examples well above $2 million. For a company that has built its reputation on low-volume, two-seat hypercars, the four-seat Gemera represents a significant departure, one that doesn’t compromise on the brand’s core principles of high-performance speed and design details like the signature dihedral synchro-helix doors, now being offered in a more usable package as a Mega GT. View All Koenigseggs For Sale Images: @Koenigsegg

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

What $55 Million Looks Like On Fort Lauderdale's Waterfront

There's something to be said about luxury living in South Florida, where year-round sunshine, waterfront views, and a lifestyle built around the outdoors have made it one of the world's most desirable places to call home. From massive estates along the Intracoastal to modern penthouses overlooking the beaches, it's a market where exceptional homes are part of everyday life. Recently completed, finding its space in Fort Lauderdale’s exclusive Sunrise Intercoastal gated community, 513 Middle River stands out as one of those incredible properties, listed by the team at Charles Rutenberg Realty FTL and now available on dR Realty for $55,000,000. GALLERY-EMBED Built by Prestige Homes on an oversized waterfront lot with 145 feet of frontage, the home immediately commands attention with clean, modern architectural lines, expansive glass, and uninterrupted views across the water. A newly constructed seawall and private dock make it just as appealing for boaters as it is for car collectors looking to enjoy the South Florida lifestyle. Privacy also plays a major role in the property's appeal. In addition to being located inside a gated community with dedicated police patrol, the residence sits behind its own private gates, creating a secluded, resort-style retreat with the convenience of nearby dining, shopping, and marinas. GALLERY-EMBED Inside, the focus shifts toward luxury, entertainment, and everyday comfort. The residence takes shape as a fully integrated smart home, giving owners the ability to manage lighting, climate, security, cameras, and entry systems through its own network. In addition to all the tech, the home's amenities mirror those of a private resort. A collector-focused eight-car garage flows directly into a stylish club room and lounge, while a custom 4K laser theater, professional-grade fitness center, spacious entertainment areas, sauna, and dedicated wellness spaces offer an environment for hosting guests or enjoying quiet weekends away. GALLERY-EMBED The outdoor spaces are where the home truly embraces the South Florida lifestyle. Centered around an 85-foot custom mosaic swimming pool with cascading waterfalls, the backyard is more like a five-star resort overlooking the water. Multiple lounge areas encourage indoor-outdoor living, while the rooftop entertaining space provides another vantage point to take in the views. It's a thoughtful touch that supports the property's focus on experience as much as its architecture. For buyers looking for a modern South Florida waterfront estate that offers privacy, smart tech, luxury amenities, and exceptional design, Prestige Homes’ 513 Middle River raises the bar for Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront living. Discover on dR Reality GALLERY-EMBED

Koenigsegg's First V8 Client Gemera Breaks Cover at the Aurora Concours in Sweden

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

What $55 Million Looks Like On Fort Lauderdale's Waterfront

Koenigsegg's First V8 Client Gemera Breaks Cover at the Aurora Concours in Sweden

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

What $55 Million Looks Like On Fort Lauderdale's Waterfront

Koenigsegg's First V8 Client Gemera Breaks Cover at the Aurora Concours in Sweden

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

What $55 Million Looks Like On Fort Lauderdale's Waterfront

By Michael Van Runkle – June 21, 2026

Corvette ZR1X Obliterates Pikes Peak Hill Climb Production Car Record

At the 104th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this Sunday, to the surprise of almost nobody on the mountain, a nearly stock Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X demolished the production car record. Pikes Peak might just be the most unpredictable motorsport event in the world, given the challenges of oxygen deprivation, weather fluctuations, and even wildlife sightings on the race up to the 14,115-foot summit. And yet, the ZR1X’s combined 1,250 horsepower and hybridized all-wheel-drive traction proved beyond a reasonable doubt just how much performance GM baked into America’s new flagship hypercar. Chevrolet tapped IndyCar and Pikes Peak veteran JR Hildebrand to pilot the ZR1X, which featured modifications only as necessary to meet the mountain’s stringent safety standards. Hildebrand’s program spanned weeks of testing ahead of race day, and the ZR1X immediately started logging impressive times on practice portions of the 12.42-mile course. Every launch tended to clear out team tents in the pits, as the enthusiast within every other driver, engineer, and mechanic clamored to catch a vision of the brutal acceleration from the top-spec ’Vette. “This is just the right tool for the job to come to a place like this,” Hildebrand told duPont Registry. “You've got the front drive unit literally pulling you out of the corners, right up into the RPM band of the ICE powertrain behind you. And it’s all just completely seamless… I'm just sitting here, locked in, enjoying the ride.” Of course, inclement Colorado weather can roll in any time of day or night and render Pikes Peak a nightmare for teams, drivers, and cars. On race day last year, high winds at the summit dictated finishing at the ranger station nestled into Glen Cove, at just 11,440 feet of elevation. European Hill Climb Championship driver Simone Faggioli won King of the Mountain on that shortened course with a time of just 3:37.196. This year, any remaining cloud cover burned off at sunrise as balmy temperatures graced the entire mountainside. In qualifying, which by coincidence almost perfectly matches the distance of 2025’s race, Hildebrand managed a time of 3:57.504 – good enough to start 13th overall on race day. This allowed a new cadre of Ultra4 cars, as well as a fleet of GT4 Trophy racers, to clear dust off the road and ensure ideal traction for the ZR1X. But first, longtime Pikes Peak denizen David Donner, who has claimed eight class victories over the years, looked to cement his 000 Magazine-liveried 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S with an official production car time on an official race day. Previously, Donner had driven the Turbo S to a wintry raceday time of 10:34.053 amid damp and foggy weather in 2022, and then on a non-race day attempt, logged a PPIHC-certified time of 9:53.541. Those times straddled the official race day record of 10:18.488 which Rhys Millen set in a Bentley Continental GT in 2019. Amid this year’s ideal conditions, Donner very nearly matched that prior record with a time of 9:53.740 – or good enough to elicit applause from the pits and fans as the announcers explained the new standard. By then, two places back, Hildebrand had already set off from the starting line. Shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rubber on the stock carbon wheels, with a livery celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, the ZR1X roared off with all four tires churning. The Pikes Peak leaderboard then struggled a bit, and Hildebrand’s sector times never flashed until the third out of four, where he handed Donner a solid five seconds. By the summit, his finishing time of 9:30.104 firmly shut the door for any potential challenges from the remaining drivers. On hand to witness the record-setting run, Executive Chief Engineer for Global Corvette and Performance Cars Tony Roma erupted into an exuberant cheer when Hildebrand’s record finally flashed on the leaderboard. “When JR and I first started talking about this program and what the car was capable of,” Roma said. “We knew the car would be fast. We did a little bit of analysis to know it should easily break the record, but I mean, he just crushed it!” “This is basically a production car with the alignment and tire pressure set,” Roma continued. “We've added only the things required for the rules: safety equipment, fuel cell, roll cage, seat belts, fire system, cutoff switches, things like that. There's nothing performance enhancement-wise, everything is bone stock and legit, right down to the DOT tires that you can buy on your ZR1X.” The rest of the day’s results played out with minimal drama, at least for Pike Peak standards. Ford returned with overall record-holder Romain Dumas behind the wheel of the Super Mustang Mach-E and set the third quickest time ever, at 8:18.202. Briton Robin Shute, meanwhile, debuted an all-new SendyCar V1 and claimed a class win against second-place Faggioli, good enough for the rear-wheel drive record at 8:29.497. And Emelia Hartford in a “base” Corvette ZR1 without the benefits of electric power or all-wheel traction can now claim the title of fastest woman on four wheels up the hill, beating out the former Queen of the Mountain Laura Hayes by more than six seconds. A noticeable buzz surrounded Pikes Peak this year, at the popular fan fest in downtown Colorado Springs and among the fans lining the race course up the mountain. Chevy and the dual effort certainly contributed to the excitement, and Hildebrand in the ZR1X in particular likely set a time that may deter any other automakers from even attempting a competing program at all in the near future. Only a Czinger 21C, perhaps, or a McMurtry Spéirling might come anywhere near the ZR1X’s capability. Each might, in their own right, challenge the production “class” that’s not an actual class on race day – Hildebrand technically competed in the Time Attack 1 category, something the Pikes Peak organization certainly needs to define more specifically. More clearly delineated regulations would help to clarify exactly what constitutes a production car record, now that the ZR1X as the world’s most attainable hypercar has set a new benchmark for racing up the world’s most iconic hill climb. PHOTOS COURTESY: Michael Van Runkle, Larry Chen

GM Unveils Spectacular Trophy and Corvette ZR1X Pace Car for 2026 Detroit Grand Prix

By Charles Bradley – May 27, 2026

GM Unveils New Trophy and Corvette ZR1X Pace Car for 2026 Detroit GP

Detroit’s automotive legacy will take center stage in dramatic fashion this weekend as General Motors and the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear unveil two striking new symbols of the city’s enduring spirit of innovation: a newly designed winner’s trophy inspired by Detroit’s most iconic landmark and the electrified 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X as the official pace car for the 2026 race weekend. Held a week after the Indianapolis 500, INDYCAR is set to return to the Streets of Downtown Detroit from May 29-31, the 36th Grand Prix event in the city’s history will celebrate not only elite motorsport competition – that also includes the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – but also the craftsmanship and design excellence that continue to define the Motor City. At the heart of this year’s unveiling is a newly introduced race trophy conceived by GM’s in-house Industrial Design team. Drawing inspiration from both Spirit of Detroit and GM’s new global headquarters at Hudson’s Detroit, the trophy blends historic symbolism with contemporary architectural sophistication. The design pays tribute to sculptor Marshall Fredericks’ celebrated 26-foot bronze monument commissioned in 1955, which has long stood as one of Detroit’s most recognizable symbols. Positioned along Woodward Avenue near Turn 3 of the downtown race circuit, the monument has represented hope, progress, and resilience for generations. “The GM Industrial Design team drew inspiration from the Spirit of Detroit and our new global headquarters at Hudson’s Detroit, two iconic landmarks representing strength, progress and craft,” said Crystal Windham, GM Executive Director of Industrial Design. “The 2026 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear trophy is designed to celebrate Detroit.” Developed in collaboration with acclaimed trophy creator Mike Husar, who has crafted Detroit Grand Prix trophies since the event’s 2007 return to Belle Isle, the bespoke design will be awarded to the top three finishers in both the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix and the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race. Complementing the trophy’s debut is the introduction of the 2026 Corvette ZR1X as the event’s official pace car – a machine that represents the pinnacle of contemporary American performance engineering. Delivering a staggering 1,250 combined horsepower through a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with a front-axle electric motor, the electrified all-wheel-drive hypercar is the most powerful production Corvette ever created. Engineered with precision worthy of its pace-setting duties, the ZR1X can sprint from zero to 60 mph in under two seconds while reaching top speeds approaching 233 mph. Finished in a bespoke half-Arctic White, half-Admiral Blue livery hand-painted by GM Design, the pace car features American flag-inspired details, including 50 stars and patriotic striping influenced by Chevrolet’s Stars and Steel Collection commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. For track duty, the Corvette is equipped with Chevrolet’s advanced Carbon Aero package, featuring aerodynamic dive planes, underbody strakes, and a dramatic rear wing capable of generating more than 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. “Ever since we brought the Grand Prix back downtown, it has been about celebrating the spirit, creativity and resilience of Detroit,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. “From a trophy that honors two of the city’s most iconic landmarks to a pace car that represents the pinnacle of American performance, these elements reflect who we are as a community and what makes this event so special for our fans, our partners and, most importantly, our city.” Set against the award-winning Detroit Riverwalk, the 1.7-mile, nine-turn downtown circuit once again provides the perfect stage for Detroit to showcase its unmatched blend of automotive heritage, cutting-edge engineering, and design-led luxury.

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