In the world of luxury automobiles, few names command as much respect as Rolls-Royce. Among its storied lineup, the Rolls-Royce Phantom III stands out as a beacon of innovation and engineering excellence. Introduced in 1936, this magnificent vehicle was the first to feature a V12 engine, establishing a benchmark that continues to influence the brand’s modern offerings. As we celebrate the 120th anniversary of the historic meeting between Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls, the Phantom III emerges as a symbol of both legacy and foresight.
A New Era of Power
The Phantom III was a groundbreaking creation, marking the first time a Rolls-Royce was equipped with a V12 engine. This was a significant departure from the traditional in-line six-cylinder engines that had powered previous models. Sir Henry Royce, the engineering genius behind the brand, recognized that to stay ahead of competitors, a more powerful and efficient engine was necessary. Drawing on his extensive experience in designing V12 aero engines, Royce crafted a 7.3-liter powerhouse that delivered between 165 and 180 horsepower–a substantial leap from its predecessors.
Sir Henry Royce’s Final Vision
The Phantom III is particularly poignant as it represents Sir Henry Royce’s last major design before his death in 1933. Although Royce did not live to see the Phantom III come to fruition, his visionary ideas laid the foundation for its groundbreaking design. The V12 engine was not only shorter than previous models but also allowed for a more spacious passenger compartment and a sleeker exterior. This combination of power and elegance would define Rolls-Royce’s approach to luxury cars for decades to come.
Innovations That Defined an Era
Beyond its engine, the Phantom III introduced several technical advancements that set new standards in automotive engineering. It was the first Rolls-Royce to feature independent front suspension, which greatly enhanced ride comfort and handling. The engineering team also implemented numerous innovations to minimize noise and vibrations, ensuring that the Phantom III offered one of the quietest and most comfortable rides of its time. These developments cemented Rolls-Royce’s reputation for unparalleled luxury and performance.
The Spectre Legacy
The name “Spectre” carries significant weight in the Rolls-Royce legacy, inspired by ten experimental Phantom III vehicles produced between 1934 and 1937. These prototypes were crucial in testing the limits of the V12 engine and laid the groundwork for the brand’s future innovations. Today, the Spectre name has been revived for Rolls-Royce’s first all-electric model, underscoring the lasting impact of the Phantom III’s pioneering spirit.
A Short but Impactful Production Run
The production of the Phantom III was brief but impactful, with 710 units built before the outbreak of World War II halted car production in 1939. Despite its short-lived production, the Phantom III left a lasting legacy. Its advanced engineering and performance capabilities influenced all subsequent Rolls-Royce models, including the V12-powered vehicles manufactured today at Goodwood.
Conclusion: A Timeless Testament to Innovation
As we reflect on the 120th anniversary of the first meeting between Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls, the Phantom III remains a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation. This iconic model not only redefined luxury motoring in its time but also set the stage for the future of Rolls-Royce. Its blend of visionary design, engineering prowess, and timeless elegance continues to inspire the brand’s pursuit of perfection in the world of luxury automobiles.
The all-electric Kia EV3 won Green Car of the Year, while the Carnival Hybrid was named Green Minivan of the Year by Green Car Journal.
Kia has collected two major environmental honors from Green Car Journal.
The all-new 2027 Kia EV3 was named Green Car of the Year, while the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid received the Green Minivan of the Year award.
EV3 Wins Green Car of the Year
The Kia EV3 is the brand’s most attainable fully electric vehicle and is designed to make EV ownership more accessible.
The compact SUV combines styling inspired by the EV9 with a focus on technology, practicality, and range.
The 2027 Kia EV3 was named Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.
The EV3 uses Kia’s 400-volt E-GMP platform and can deliver up to 321 miles of range on select versions.
It can also charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 31 minutes using a 350-kW DC fast charger, with NACS compatibility available without an adapter.
Kia says the EV3 will arrive at U.S. dealerships nationwide in late 2026.
Carnival Hybrid Wins Green Minivan Award
The 2026 Carnival Hybrid was named Green Minivan of the Year, giving Kia recognition in both electric and hybrid segments.
The turbocharged hybrid system produces 242 horsepower and delivers an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.
The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid combines 242 horsepower with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.
The Carnival Hybrid can accommodate up to eight passengers and offers up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row.
That makes it a practical option for families looking to improve efficiency without giving up interior space.
Kia Highlights Its Electrified Lineup
Kia says the two awards demonstrate the breadth of its electrified vehicle strategy.
The EV3 targets customers looking for an affordable all-electric SUV, while the Carnival Hybrid provides another path to improved efficiency for larger families.
Kia says the EV3 and Carnival Hybrid demonstrate the breadth of its electrified lineup.
The Green Car Awards are presented annually by Green Car Journal, which has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and the environment since 1992.
For Kia EV3, winning the overall Green Car of the Year award adds another major recognition ahead of its U.S. launch.
Toyota has donated the final fifth-generation GR Supra to Reach Out WorldWide, with the one-off sports car set to support disaster relief efforts.
Toyota is giving the GR Supra MkV a meaningful final chapter.
The automaker has donated the very last fifth-generation GR Supra produced to Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), with the one-of-one sports car intended to help support the organization’s disaster relief mission.
The Last MkV Supra
The donated Supra is a highly collectible Final Edition featuring a six-speed manual transmission and 382 horsepower.
It also includes commemorative details and factory-exclusive specifications that distinguish it from other fifth-generation Supras.
Toyota donated the final GR Supra MkV ever produced to Reach Out WorldWide.
The vehicle represents the end of the MkV Supra’s production story and gives collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to contribute to a charitable cause.
Turning a Collector Car Into Relief
ROWW will use the historic vehicle to support its disaster relief efforts.
Toyota and the organization described the donation as a full-circle moment that connects the Supra’s legacy with efforts to help communities affected by disasters.
The one-of-one GR Supra MkV Final Edition combines Toyota’s sports-car heritage with a charitable mission.
The car’s rarity and special specifications are expected to make it particularly attractive to collectors, potentially helping generate significant support for ROWW.
A Special Ending for the Supra
The fifth-generation GR Supra became one of Toyota’s most recognizable performance models, and its final example now has a purpose beyond simply ending production.
The final fifth-generation Supra features a six-speed manual transmission and commemorative Final Edition details.
For the Toyota GR Supra MkV, the donation provides a fitting conclusion to the generation’s production run while giving enthusiasts an opportunity to turn an important piece of Toyota history into meaningful support for disaster relief.
The Heart of Racing Team delivered Aston Martin’s first 2026 WEC victory with the Vantage GT3, while the Valkyrie finished fourth in the Hypercar class.
Aston Martin enjoyed a huge weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, with the Vantage GT3 claiming its first FIA World Endurance Championship victory of 2026 and the Valkyrie scoring its best Hypercar result of the season.
The Heart of Racing Team took the LMGT3 victory with Ian James, Mattia Drudi, and Zach Robichon, while its sister Vantage finished third.
Vantage Finally Takes Its First WEC Win
The #27 Vantage GT3 started second and remained near the front through the opening stages.
Robichon moved into the class lead during the second hour before handing the car to Drudi.
The sister #23 Vantage GT3, driven by Gray Newell, Dudu Barrichello, and Jonny Adam, completed the podium.
The car remained inside the top six for much of the race before Barrichello fought for third place after the final Safety Car period.
The #23 Heart of Racing Vantage GT3 finished third for Aston Martin’s first WEC double podium.
The result gives Heart of Racing its first WEC double podium.
It also moves both crews closer to the LMGT3 championship leaders with three rounds still remaining.
Valkyrie Comes Within Three Seconds of a Podium
Aston Martin’s Hypercar program also delivered a strong result.
The #007 Valkyrie, driven by Tom Gamble and Harry Tincknell, finished fourth at COTA, less than three seconds behind the final podium position.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie finished fourth at COTA, its best WEC result of the 2026 season.
The result extended Valkyrie’s points-scoring streak to eight consecutive WEC races.
The car has now scored points in every WEC round of 2026, showing significant progress only 18 months into the program.
Aston Martin remains in a close battle with Alpine for fifth in the Hypercar manufacturers’ championship, with Fuji, Barcelona, and Monza still to come.
More Success for Vantage in British GT4
The Vantage also secured another championship elsewhere.
Grange Racing by FSR’s Daniel Lavery and Darren Turner clinched the British GT4 Pro-Am title with one race remaining after taking their fifth consecutive class victory.
Turner collected his third GT4 Pro-Am championship, while Lavery completed an impressive debut season.
For Aston Martin Vantage WEC, the COTA weekend represented a major breakthrough: the Vantage finally delivered its first 2026 WEC victory, the sister car joined it on the podium, and the Valkyrie came within seconds of another top-three finish.
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