Kategori: Global Automotive

PistonKafalar’s Global Automotive section delivers the latest car news, EV trends, concept reveals, and performance updates from around the world. It brings a unique perspective on innovation, design, and driving culture — all from Turkey’s trusted voice in car journalism.

Ford Slashes EV Plans After $19.5B Charge as Trump Policies Reshape the U.S. Auto Market
Ford takes a $19.5B writedown and cancels multiple EV programs as U.S. policy shifts and EV demand weakens. The automaker pivots toward hybrids and extended-range models.

Ford Retreats From EVs After Massive $19.5 Billion Charge Amid Policy Shift

Ford Motor Company has announced the most dramatic reversal yet in the automotive industry’s electric-vehicle ambitions, confirming a $19.5 billion writedown and the cancellation of several EV models as shifting U.S. policies and faltering consumer demand reshape the market.

The move revealed Monday marks a major strategic pivot as the automaker replaces the fully electric F-150 Lightning with a new extended-range electric model, powered partly by a gasoline engine that recharges the battery. Ford also scrapped its next-gen electric truck project T3, along with multiple planned electric commercial vans.

CEO Jim Farley told Reuters the company was forced to “make the call” after market conditions shifted sharply in recent months.

A Market Reshaped by Trump-Era Policies

Ford’s retreat underscores a broader slowdown in the U.S. EV market as President Donald Trump’s administration rolled back support for electric vehicles:
- The long-standing $7,500 EV tax credit expired September 30, leading to a 40% drop in November EV sales.
- Tailpipe-emission rules were relaxed, encouraging automakers to sell more gasoline vehicles.
- Penalties for failing to meet fuel-economy regulations were frozen.
These changes heavily impacted demand for the Lightning, which launched in 2022 with massive hype and over 200,000 reservations—yet sales fell 10% this year.

Hybrid Comeback and Long-Term Strategy

Ford now plans a significant shift toward gasoline and hybrid vehicles, aiming for a product mix of 50% hybrid/extended-range/EV by 2030, up from 17% today.

Key restructuring moves include:
- $8.5B charge tied to cancelled EV programs
- $6B charge related to dissolving Ford’s battery JV with SK On
- $5B in program-related expenses
- Replacement of the T3 EV truck with new gas-powered trucks in Tennessee from 2029
- A new $30,000 affordable EV targeted for 2027
- Thousands of new hires expected as Ford rebalances its manufacturing model
Ford also improved its 2025 earnings outlook to $7B, above previous guidance.

Competitors Also Pull Back From EV Push

Ford isn’t alone. General Motors recorded a $1.6B EV-related charge in October, while Stellantis shelved plans for an electric Ram pickup in favor of hybrids. Analysts say the shift may create a narrow window for pure-play EV makers like Tesla and Rivian but from a smaller overall market.

Battery Operations Restructured After SK On Split

After SK On exited their joint venture, Ford will independently run its two Kentucky battery plants, while SK On will keep the Tennessee facility. Ford will repurpose Kentucky and Michigan factories to produce energy storage system batteries within 18 months.

PistonKafalar Comment

Ford’s dramatic U-turn shows how fragile the EV transition remains when policy, consumer demand, and manufacturing costs fall out of alignment. This reset could slow the U.S. EV momentum significantly while opening strategic space for Chinese competitors and more agile EV-focused brands.
16 Aralık 2025
Tesla Launches Low-Cost Model 3 in Europe: Prices Start at €37,970
Tesla launches its new low-cost Model 3 Standard in Europe, starting at €37,970, aiming to counter slowing EV demand and rising Chinese competition.

Tesla Model 3 Standard Europe: A Strategic Move in a Slowing Market

Tesla has officially launched the new low-cost Model 3 Standard variant in Europe, bringing a highly competitive starting price of €37,970 in Germany. The move arrives at a critical time as the company faces softening demand, a shrinking European EV market, and rising pressure from aggressively priced Chinese rivals.

The Model 3 Standard made its U.S. debut in October and now enters major European markets including Germany, Norway and Sweden, with deliveries scheduled for Q1 2026. Tesla describes the new variant as offering an “ultra-low cost of ownership” an unmistakable sign that the brand is adapting to a radically shifting EV landscape.

Why Tesla Needs This Car Now

2025 has been a challenging year for Tesla across Europe. Despite the launch of a refreshed Model Y lineup, new registrations have fallen sharply, and many customers are now choosing:
- Volkswagen ID.3
- BYD Atto 3
- MG4 Electric
- Renault Mégane E-Tech
China-based brands such as BYD and SAIC continue disrupting Europe with EVs priced below $30,000, forcing Tesla to defend its territory more aggressively.

The new Model 3 Standard aims to restore momentum not only with its price, but with a balanced package of range, features and ownership cost.

Pricing Across Europe

According to Tesla’s official website, the Model 3 Standard is priced at:
- €37,970 in Germany
- 330,056 NOK in Norway (€32,698)
- 449,990 SEK in Sweden (€47,820)
This positions it well below the next “premium” Model 3 variant (€45,970 in Germany).

The U.S. price remains even lower at $36,990, reflecting Tesla’s broader strategy to align global markets with more affordable EV options.

What Gets Removed — and What Stays

The new Model 3 Standard does not drastically cut equipment, but Tesla has trimmed some premium finishes and features to reduce cost.

Still, key qualities remain intact:
- Range above 300 miles (480 km)
- Same sleek exterior design
- Tesla’s latest safety and software suite
- Access to Tesla Supercharger network
- Full OTA (over-the-air) update capability
The goal is clear: keep the core Tesla experience, reduce the price barrier.

The Cannibalization Question

Elon Musk’s long-promised $25,000 EV was cancelled in favor of lower-priced versions of existing models. While this strategic shift speeds up deployment, analysts warn it could cannibalize Tesla’s higher-margin models.

The Model 3 Standard directly pressures:
- Model 3 Premium
- Model Y Standard
- Model Y Long Range
Yet Tesla argues the larger market opportunity outweighs any cannibalization. As EV demand cools, affordability has become the decisive factor.

Tesla’s Path Forward: EVs, AI, and Robotaxis

Even while Tesla reshapes its EV portfolio, Musk continues shifting long-term focus toward:
- AI development
- Autonomous robotaxis
- Humanoid robot Optimus
However, affordable EVs like the Model 3 Standard remain essential for near-term revenue growth, market share defense, and production stability.

Piston Kafalar Comment

Tesla’s new Model 3 Standard is proof that the EV war in Europe is entering a new phase. Prices are dropping fast, Chinese rivals are pushing harder than ever, and Tesla is no longer the automatic choice it once was. This new variant is a strategic lifeline but the market’s next moves will determine if it’s enough.
8 Aralık 2025
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Has Officially Unveiled the GR GT and GR GT3 Two All-New Flagship Models Shaping the Brand’s Next Motorsport Era

Revealed as under-development prototypes, both cars blend Toyota’s legendary racing DNA with next-generation engineering rooted in the spirit of the 2000GT and Lexus LFA.

GR GT
• Road-legal race car concept
• Newly-developed 4.0L twin-turbo V8 hybrid (650+ hp target)
• Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame
• Aero-first design philosophy shaped directly by WEC engineers
• 45:55 weight distribution, 320+ km/h target
• Developed with Akio Toyoda (Morizo) and pro drivers

GR GT3
• FIA GT3-spec customer race car based on the GR GT
• Carbon-ceramic brakes, bespoke Michelin Cup 2 tires
• Born for competition — tested at Nürburgring, Fuji & Shimoyama
• Built to be “easy to drive, hard to beat” for both pros and gentlemen drivers

Both models apply Toyota’s newest development methods: full-cycle simulator engineering, motorsport durability testing, and reverse-flow packaging to achieve extreme agility and aero efficiency.

PistonKafalar Comment
Four days ago, we teased that Toyota was preparing a major performance breakthrough and today it’s official. The GR GT & GR GT3 mark the strongest motorsport statement the brand has made since the LFA era. The combination of a compact twin-turbo V8, full aluminum frame and GT3 homologation makes this reveal one of the biggest stories of 2025 in the global performance world.

5 Aralık 2025
New Mercedes-Benz G-Class Cabriolet Begins Tough Testing Program
The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class Cabriolet has begun dynamic road and track testing in Austria as the legendary off-road icon expands its model family.

A new chapter for the G-Class legend

The iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class is officially expanding its model family, and the spotlight now shifts to the all-new G-Class Cabriolet. After a remarkably positive reaction to early teaser details, Mercedes-Benz has begun sending prototypes into real-world testing across Europe.

The new G-Class Cabriolet brings the unmistakable G-Class identity into an open-top format, combining rugged capability with a new sense of freedom.

Dynamic testing begins in Austria

Prototypes are now covering their first kilometres on public roads and test tracks in Austria. Engineers are collecting comprehensive data on:
- Body rigidity
- Roof system durability
- Structural vibration behaviour
- Noise insulation
- Off-road body flex
- High-speed stability
The goal: The Cabriolet must feel just as robust and unmistakably “G-Class” as the closed-body model.

Next stop: Sweden for extreme winter testing

After Austria, the development fleet will head north to Sweden for deep-winter trials. The Cabriolet will face:
- Sub-zero cold starts
- Ice and snow traction testing
- Electronic system calibration
- Roof mechanism operation in freezing conditions
- High-load off-road dynamics
Only after these stages will the model earn its place in the G-Class lineage.

A familiar feeling behind the wheel

Mercedes-Benz emphasizes that whether it’s the classic G-Class or the new Cabriolet, each version must give drivers the same sense of confidence and belonging that has defined the model for over four decades.

More technical details and official specifications will be revealed later as the project progresses.

Piston Kafalar Comment

The arrival of a G-Class Cabriolet prototype is more than a new model it’s a statement. Mercedes-Benz is taking one of the world’s most iconic off-roaders and opening it up to an entirely new driving experience without compromising the rugged character that defines the G. Early testing in Austria shows a clear direction: the Cabriolet aims to deliver the same unstoppable G-Class capability with a layer of pure freedom. If development continues at this pace, this could become one of the most distinctive and desirable G-Class variants of the modern era.
3 Aralık 2025
Bentley Unveils New Carbon Fibre Styling Specification for Continental and Flying Spur
Bentley introduces an enhanced Carbon Fibre Styling Specification for Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur, featuring larger aero components and Mulliner-wide availability.

A darker, more athletic expression of Bentley design

Bentley has revealed its latest Carbon Fibre Styling Specification, now available across the newest generation Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur models. The package brings a more assertive, motorsport-inspired visual identity, complementing options like the Titanium Akrapovič Exhaust and the Blackline Specification.

The new specification made its public debut on a striking Orange Flame Continental GT Speed at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, instantly becoming one of the event’s visual highlights.

Crafted to perfection: Carbon fibre as an art form

The new Styling Specification includes:
- A larger, more sculpted rear diffuser
- A redesigned front splitter
- Extended lower side sills
- Carbon fibre mirror caps
- Electroformed, three-dimensional Bentley badges embedded in the sills
- Mirror-matched carbon fibre weave for perfect symmetry
These components are crafted using the same philosophy as Bentley’s cabin veneers—precise, symmetrical, and hand-finished to perfection.

Expanded to Mulliner: A major evolution

Responding to growing consumer demand for bespoke personalisation, Bentley is reintroducing the Carbon Fibre Styling Specification to Mulliner, its pinnacle of craftsmanship. Unlike the previous generation, the new package is now available across all variants Continental GT, GTC, Flying Spur, and even Bentayga.

This marks one of the most significant personalisation expansions in Bentley’s modern era.

Engineering beauty with performance in mind

Behind the gloss finish lies a performance-driven purpose. Each carbon fibre element is multi-layered, laboratory-tested, and subjected to over 100,000 km of durability simulations.

A newly reinforced front splitter twice the thickness of the previous version improves both stability and aerodynamic flow, demonstrating the integration of design and engineering.

A perfect match for Bentley’s Performance Hybrid era

The Carbon Fibre Styling Specification visually complements the latest Performance Hybrid powertrains used in Bentley’s Grand Tourers. With outputs reaching 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, the newest Continental GT models accelerate from 0–62 mph in as little as 3.2 seconds.

The dynamic, performance-focused carbon elements therefore enhance both aesthetics and functional aerodynamics.

PistonKafalar Global Comment

Bentley’s new Carbon Fibre Styling Specification elevates the brand’s design language to a more athletic, performance-centric dimension. It’s more than an accessory it’s an extension of the Grand Tourer identity, fusing luxury craftsmanship with motorsport character.
2 Aralık 2025
Lancia Turns 119: The Italian Icon Begins a New Era of Style, Heritage and Motorsport Revival
Lancia celebrates 119 years of Italian style and innovation, marking a new era with the New Ypsilon, the HF line and a major return to international rallying.

Lancia celebrates its 119th anniversary a legacy built on engineering brilliance, clean Italian design and an unmistakable sense of identity. Since 1906, the Turin-born brand has shaped automotive history with visionary ideas, from the world’s first production V6 engine in the Aurelia to rally legends like the Stratos, 037 and Delta.

Today, Lancia’s heritage becomes the foundation of a bold new chapter, marked by the return to motorsport, a renewed design language and the latest generation of Ypsilon models.

119 Years of Italian Innovation

The story began in 1906, when Vincenzo Lancia and Claudio Fogolin created a brand defined by technical purity and elegant simplicity. Early models such as the 12 HP, Lambda and Augusta set new standards in engineering, culminating in the 1950 Aurelia the first production car with a V6 engine and a masterpiece that shaped post-war Italy.

Decades later, the 1960s and ’70s brought icons like the Flaminia, Fulvia and the legendary rally machines: Stratos, 037 and Delta Integrale. Lancia’s motorsport dominance earned 15 World Rally Championship titles, making it the most successful rally manufacturer in history.

A New Era Begins: The New Ypsilon Family

Lancia’s future now starts with the New Ypsilon, a model that blends modern Italian elegance with intuitive technology. Its design language draws from the Aurelia and Flaminia, while the round LED tail-lights pay homage to the Stratos.

Inside, Lancia introduces S.A.L.A., Stellantis’ first virtual, intelligent interface designed to simplify user interaction. The New Ypsilon arrives with both 100% electric and hybrid powertrains.

The line-up expands with:
- Ypsilon HF – a high-performance version bringing back the iconic red elephant emblem
- Ypsilon HF Line – a design-focused variant inspired by the HF family’s sporty identity
Motorsport Return: The Red Elephant Charges Again

After decades of silence, Lancia is officially back in competition. The Ypsilon Rally4 HF debuted in the Trofeo Lancia series, reintroducing the brand’s sporting soul.

The next step comes in 2026, when Lancia returns to the global rally stage with the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, developed with Stellantis Motorsport. The car will make its WRC2 debut at Rallye Monte-Carlo, reconnecting the brand with the event where its legends were born.

A Style Icon On and Off the Road

Lancia’s influence goes far beyond engineering. Models such as the Aurelia B24 Spider, Flaminia and Fulvia became symbols of Italian cinema and culture from La Dolce Vita to modern Hollywood productions. The brand has long been associated with understated elegance, creativity and timeless design.

Today, the New Ypsilon family carries this spirit into the future, blending heritage with the clean, modern sophistication expected from contemporary Italian automotive design.
28 Kasım 2025
Fourmaux Leads Rally Saudi Arabia as Ogier Seizes Narrow WRC Title Advantage
Adrien Fourmaux leads Rally Saudi Arabia as Sébastien Ogier moves one point ahead in the WRC title fight after a dramatic opening day in the desert.

Adrien Fourmaux ended Thursday at the top of the Rally Saudi Arabia leaderboard after a turbulent opening leg in the desert, while Sébastien Ogier moved into a provisional one-point lead in the FIA World Rally Championship standings.

The Frenchman survived a dramatic afternoon loop in which punctures, delaminations and inconsistent grip reshuffled the order multiple times. Fourmaux kept his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 clear of trouble across all seven stages to hold a 6.0-second lead over Toyota’s Sami Pajari, with early pacesetter Mārtiņš Sesks just 0.9 seconds further back in third.

A Day of Lead Changes and Heavy Attrition

The top position changed hands repeatedly throughout the leg. Sesks dominated the morning with two stage wins and built a strong gap, only to lose more than 15 seconds after a right-rear puncture on the second pass of Moon Stage. Pajari then briefly moved ahead after winning SS6, but a front-right delamination on the final test dropped him back behind Fourmaux.

Both drivers, however, remain well within the fight heading into Friday’s long stages.

Fourmaux said he was “really pleased” with his day but admitted the balance between pace and tyre preservation was delicate:

“We could always push a bit more, but with this surface it’s about playing safe with the car and tyres. The gaps are small, so nothing is done yet. Finishing the day with a good road position is positive for tomorrow.”

Ogier Gains Critical Ground in the Title Battle

Behind the lead trio, the championship narrative shifted dramatically.

Title leader Elfyn Evans, opening the road, struggled for traction all day as he swept loose sand and rocks for those behind him. A small overshoot in the morning compounded his losses, and a tough afternoon left him ninth overall, more than a minute adrift.

Ogier, meanwhile, handled the conditions calmly and avoided the issues that delayed others. The Frenchman ended the day seventh, enough to overturn his three-point deficit to Evans and take a provisional one-point lead into Friday.

“My main targets are Elfyn and Kalle,” Ogier said. “On that side, we did what we needed to do we are in front of them.”

Rovanperä’s Title Hopes Narrow Further

Toyota star Kalle Rovanperä suffered two punctures that restricted him to eighth, slotting him between Ogier and Evans. The reigning double champion faces an uphill battle to stay mathematically in contention.

Tänak, Neuville and Katsuta Complete the Top Six
- Ott Tänak sits fourth after winning the penultimate stage, despite reporting possible suspension damage.
- Thierry Neuville is fifth after a day marked by a cracked windscreen and a slow puncture.
- Takamoto Katsuta holds sixth following a conservative, tyre-saving approach.
Behind them, Grégoire Munster and Oliver Solberg completed the upper midfield, while Munster’s team-mates Josh McErlean and Nasser Al-Attiyah lost significant time through tyre deflations, with Al-Attiyah delayed over seven minutes due to a stuck jack.

Friday: The Rally’s Longest and Most Demanding Leg

The rally’s decisive phase begins Friday, featuring more than 130 km of competitive running across six abrasive desert stages. With the championship hanging by a thread, tyre strategy and road order are expected to play major roles.

Standings After Thursday – SS8/17
1. A. Fourmaux / A. Coria — Hyundai i20 N Rally1 — 1h 18m 45.3s
2. S. Pajari / M. Salminen — Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 — +6.0s
3. M. Sesks / R. Francis — Ford Puma Rally1 — +6.9s
4. O. Tänak / M. Järveoja — Hyundai i20 N Rally1 — +13.7s
5. T. Neuville / M. Wydaeghe — Hyundai i20 N Rally1 — +14.9s
6. T. Katsuta / A. Johnston — Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 — +22.9s
PistonKafalar Global Comment

The opening leg in Saudi Arabia delivered exactly what a championship decider should: unpredictable surface changes, tyre drama and a major shift in points momentum. Fourmaux’s clean execution puts him in a strong overnight position, but the real story is Ogier versus Evans. With road order swinging in Ogier’s favour for Friday, the title fight may tilt even further unless Evans can reclaim time on the long desert sections. Expect strategy, tyre choices and dust to define the next phase.
28 Kasım 2025
BMW Z4 Final Edition Revealed: The Iconic Roadster Bows Out in 2026
BMW Z4 Final Edition marks the end of the iconic roadster with exclusive Frozen Matt Black paint, bespoke interior details and a limited 2026 order window.

Frozen Matt Black, bespoke interior details and a limited ordering window mark the beginning of the end for BMW’s legendary open-top sports car.

The BMW Z4, one of the purest expressions of BMW’s open-air driving heritage, is officially entering its final chapter. With production scheduled to end in March 2026, the brand bids farewell to its iconic roadster with a special, highly curated series: the BMW Z4 Final Edition.

A short ordering window will open in late January 2026, making this version a potential future collector’s item. Designed as both a tribute and a finale, the Final Edition enhances the Z4’s classic long-hood, rear-set cabin proportions with exclusive exterior and interior features unavailable on any previous Z4.

Frozen Matt Black: A Farewell Colour Exclusive to the Final Edition

The most striking hallmark of the Final Edition is its Frozen Matt Black paint offered exclusively on this version. The matte finish sharpens the Z4’s muscular roadster stance and gives the car a more dramatic, modern edge.

The exterior package also includes:
- M High-gloss Shadowline trim
- M Sport brakes finished in High-gloss Red
- Optional selection from the regular Z4 colour palette at no extra cost
This combination enhances the Z4’s visual aggression while keeping the understated elegance that has defined the model since 2002.

Interior: Sporty Red Accents and Exclusive Details

Inside, the Final Edition blends Vernasca leather and Alcantara with bespoke red contrast stitching designed specifically for this version.

Exclusive cabin details include:
- M Alcantara steering wheel with matching red stitching
- Specially engraved “Final Edition” door sills
- Red-stitched instrument panel, centre console and door panels
These enhancements create a cohesive, performance-oriented aesthetic that sets the Final Edition apart from the standard Z4 lineup.

Available Across the Full Z4 Engine Range

The Final Edition package can be added to every powertrain option in the series:

Z4 sDrive20i (197 hp)
- 7.4–7.3 L/100 km
- CO₂: 166–164 g/km (Class F)
- Final Edition price: €7,400
  (includes M Sport Package, which is not standard on this model)
Z4 sDrive30i (258 hp)
- 7.4 L/100 km
- CO₂: 167 g/km (Class F)
- Final Edition price: €4,200
Z4 M40i (340 hp, inline-six)
- 8.7–8.0 L/100 km
- CO₂: 197–181 g/km (Class G)
- Final Edition price: €4,200
The package is compatible with all available transmissions, including the enthusiast-focused manual option introduced for the M40i in 2024.

A Legacy Spanning Over Two Decades

The Final Edition marks the end of a nameplate that has been central to BMW’s roadster lineage for 23 years.

First Generation – E85 (2002)
- Built in Spartanburg, USA
- Long-hood/short-deck proportions
- 50:50 weight distribution
- Legendary Z4 M Roadster with 340 hp S54 engine
Second Generation – E89 (2008)
- Electrically operated folding hardtop
- Improved cabin space
- First Z4 to feature BMW iDrive
- Convertible-to-coupé transformation in 20 seconds
Third Generation – G29 (2018)
- Return of the fabric soft top
- Modern digital cockpit and advanced safety systems
- Manual transmission returns for M40i
- Final Edition marks the end of the model’s journey
With the Final Edition, the Z4’s sporting heritage reaches its final, most refined form a last chance for enthusiasts to own a uniquely specified version of one of BMW’s purest driver’s cars.

Piston Kafalar Comment

This Final Edition feels like BMW’s farewell letter to pure roadster culture. In a market shifting toward electrification, a rear-drive, open-top, six-cylinder BMW is becoming a rarity. The special colour, bespoke cabin details and limited availability will almost certainly make this version collectible. For purists, this isn’t just a model update it’s the last chance to experience an authentic BMW roadster as we’ve known it for decades.
27 Kasım 2025
Hot Wheels Legends Tour 2025 Champion Revealed

The 2025 Hot Wheels Legends Tour has its global winner: a wild, rally-inspired Fiat 126B from Poland that will now become a 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast model.

A Polish-Built Fiat 126B Wins the 2025 Global Title

The global winner of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour 2025 has finally been announced and the crown goes to one of the smallest but most radical builds of the year. A custom Fiat 126B, crafted in Poland by builder Pawel Czarnecki, has beaten competitors from 16 countries to earn one of the biggest honors in enthusiast car culture: becoming an official 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast model sold worldwide.

Czarnecki spent an extraordinary 2,500 hours building the car and an additional 800 hours 3D-printing components, shaping the tiny Fiat into a rally-style monster that wouldn’t look out of place on a miniature WRC stage. The transformation is more than visual it’s full mechanical reinvention.

Tiny Car, Massive Engineering

The winning 126B is no ordinary city classic. Under its widened bodywork sits a swapped Fiat Uno 1.4 Turbo engine producing 200 hp, paired with a Nissan 200SX GT28 turbocharger and a Fiat Punto GT gearbox. The car rides on custom coilovers, HTN Motorsport three-piece wheels, and Fiat Uno braking hardware. A full roll cage, rally-spec bonnet setup and extensive chassis upgrades turn the once-humble Fiat into a legitimate motorsport toy.

Almost half a meter of extra width gives the tiny retro hatch an aggressive stance that instantly captured global attention.

According to Mattel’s Global Head of Vehicles & Playsets, Ted Wu, the Polish build “represents the creativity and passion that define the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.”

From Local Hero to Global Hot Wheels Icon

Launched in 2018, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour has become one of the world’s largest enthusiast competitions. Builders from 16 countries competed this year, including standout finalists like a custom 1982 BMW E21 from the UK. But it was the Polish Fiat that ultimately stole the spotlight.

The winning Fiat 126B will soon be reproduced as a 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast, available globally a dream achievement for any builder. For Czarnecki, who poured thousands of hours into the project, it’s the ultimate validation.

Piston Kafalar Comment

A tiny classic turned into a turbocharged rally weapon… and now immortalized as a Hot Wheels collectible. The Fiat 126B proves that passion and imagination can make even the smallest platforms world-class.

20 Kasım 2025
Akio Toyoda Receives the Prestigious Golden Steering Wheel for Lifetime Achievement
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has been honored with the Golden Steering Wheel for lifetime achievement, recognizing his profound influence on the global automotive industry.

A Lifetime Honor for Toyota’s Most Influential Leader

Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda has been awarded the celebrated Golden Steering Wheel for Lifetime Achievement one of Europe’s most respected and influential automotive honors. Presented by the major publishing group Springer, the award recognizes industry leaders who have made an exceptional contribution to the automotive world.

Established in 1976, the Golden Steering Wheel has become a benchmark for excellence. Its honorary category, launched in 1983, is reserved for the most impactful executives shaping the global future of mobility.

From Crisis Leadership to Global Transformation

Akio Toyoda became President of Toyota in 2009 amid one of the most challenging periods in the company’s history. Under his leadership, Toyota strengthened its global financial performance, rebuilt market confidence, and accelerated its long-term mobility strategy.

In 2023, Toyoda transitioned to the role of Chairman, but many of his guiding principles continue to define Toyota’s direction:
- Mobility for All
- Leave No One Behind
These philosophies remain central to Toyota’s transition toward sustainable, human-centered mobility solutions.

A Master Driver at Heart

The jury’s tribute “Golden Steering Wheel for the Driver” highlights more than Toyoda’s executive leadership. It celebrates his deep personal connection to motorsport and driving culture.

Encouraged by his mentor Hiromu Naruse, Toyoda sharpened his skills at the legendary Nürburgring, racing under the alias “Morizo” in endurance events, including the 24 Hours Nürburgring. He is now recognized as the Master Driver for both Toyota and Lexus a rare distinction for a global automotive chairman.

Toyoda expressed his appreciation with characteristic humility and humor:
“It feels like I’m back in high school and the cool kids finally asked me to hang out. That’s how big this is for me.”

A Call for Collaboration in a Changing Industry

While celebrating the honor, Toyoda underscored the need for greater cooperation within the automotive sector:
“This is a challenging time for our industry. We must reach out to each other and work together more than ever. We have a responsibility to use our collective resources to make people’s lives better.”

He closed his speech by thanking the Golden Steering Wheel jury, the global Toyota team of 383,000 members, and Toyota customers around the world.

Piston Kafalar Commentary

Akio Toyoda remains one of the few global leaders who blends business vision with genuine driving passion. His impact extends beyond Toyota shaping motorsport, mobility strategy, and the industry’s cultural identity. The Golden Steering Wheel Lifetime Achievement Award not only honors his legacy but also signals his lasting influence on the future of global mobility.
19 Kasım 2025