WHIPS:

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng have just successfully launched a flying car in Dubai, showcasing a glimpse of what the future of travel in the city could look like.

After successfully taking off on October 10 at Dubai Marina, the two-seated electric VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) is dubbed to be “the future of 3D transportation”, with the X2 flying car has a top speed of 130 kph and produces zero carbon emissions during flight.

“The next generation flying car will be intelligent, electric, vertical take-off and landing, air-land coupling. We hope that our flying car will be a perfect match for Dubai, to jointly explore and build the future of 3D transportation, so that everyone can fly freely in the sky,” the Vice Chairman and President at XPeng told Khaleej Times.

Ferrari has revealed its latest one-off creation, a front-engined V12 spider created to the specifications of a customer from Taiwan.

Designed by the Flavio Manzoni-headed Ferrari Styling Centre, the SP51 is based on the 812 GTS, taking on its layout, chassis and engine and offering a “successful roadster take on Maranello’s first front-engined V12 spider in 50 years.”

The complete absence of a roof – the 812 GTS features a retractable hard top – meant the car’s aerodynamics required fine tuning using computer simulations, wind tunnels and testing to ensure comfort and acoustics in the cabin.

Bare carbon fiber is used extensively in the cabin and on the exterior, sitting alongside three-layer Rosso Passionale paint – a color developed specifically for the SP51 – and a blue and white livery inspired by “a legendary 1955 Ferrari 410 S.”

Also specific to the design are the highlights and diamond-cut wheels with carbon fiber wing profile spokes while the car uses the same 6.5-liter, 789bhp V12 engine that powers the 812 GTS.

The client, described by Ferrari as “one of our leading collectors” was involved “every step of the way” in the crafting of the cabin, which takes on the same Rosso Passionale shade of red – here in Alcantara – and also sees the blue and white livery stripe continue through the interior.

Mercedes-Benz has been the exclusive automotive partner of the League of LegendsWorld Championship, or Worlds for short, since 2020 and recently renewed its partnership with Riot Games until 2025. Building on the extended collaboration, the German automaker has crafted its first-ever virtual show car seen in this year’s official Worlds music video “STAR WALKIN” by new LoL president Lil Nas X.

Beginning on November 3, fans will also be able to preview in-car elements from LoLwithin the Mercedes EQS digital vehicle display in San Francisco, which will eventually make their way into Mercedes-Benz’s  MBUX infotainment systems. As a virtual car, the vehicle is free from the laws of physics and road regulations, allowing for a fluid glass-like design with a bubble cockpit.

“When designing an extraordinary and virtual show car, two worlds merge – real automotive design and animated design,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG. “Because of the virtual space, there are no limits to what we can do, which means we can push boundaries and give our creativity the space for the unexpected. The result is something unique: the first all-virtual show car from Mercedes-Benz.”

“Since establishing our partnership, it’s been inspiring to see how the teams across Riot and Mercedes‑Benz continue to fearlessly pursue opportunities to elevate and celebrate our sport. Whether in physical form, like our beautiful World Championship rings, or a virtual showcar, we are thrilled that our partnership extension reinforces our collective commitment to pushing creative limits that deliver exciting experiences to LoL Esports fans for the years to come,” Naz Aletaha, Global Head of League of Legends Esports continues.