At 6.30 pm on 2 June 1910, aviation pioneer Charles Stewart Rolls took off alone in his flimsy biplane from Swingate aerodrome, near Dover, to achieve the world’s first non-stop double crossing of the English Channel by aeroplane.
He had been waiting in frustration for over a week, his departure repeatedly frustrated by high winds, fog or mechanical problems with the machine. But finally, conditions were perfectly calm and clear. Among the spectators on the cliffs were Rolls’ parents, Lord and Lady Llangattock, and his sister and brother-in-law, Sir John and Lady Shelley.
According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, Rolls reached an altitude of 900 feet and a speed of “quite forty miles an hour†as he approached the coast of France. By 7.15 pm, he was flying over the small French town of Sangatte, where the present-day Channel Tunnel emerges. Leaning out of his aeroplane, he threw overboard three weighted envelopes, each containing the message: ‘Greetings to the Auto Club of France…Dropped from a Wright aeroplane crossing from England to France. C. S. Rolls, June 1910. P.S. Vive l’Entente’’
He then turned northward and set a course for the English coast. At 8.00 pm, he was back in Dover where, the Daily Telegraph reported, “the sea front, cliffs and piers were thronged with people, all in the most intense state of excitement.†Rolls rewarded them in typically flamboyant style, by flying in circles around the outer towers of the town’s medieval castle. “I decided that, as I had plenty of petrol and my engines were working splendidly, I would encircle the Castle, although it would lengthen my flight considerably,†he told the Telegraph correspondent. The crowd loved it. This was more than mere entertainment: they knew they were present at a moment of history.
In an adventure lasting 95 minutes, Rolls had achieved two immortal landmarks. He had become both the first Englishman to fly an aeroplane across the English Channel, and the first aviator ever to fly non-stop from England to France and back again.
The flight caused a sensation and made Rolls an instant national celebrity. The recently-crowned King George V sent a personal telegram – “The Queen and I heartily congratulate you on your splendid Cross-Channel flight. George R.I.†The Aero Clubs of both England and France presented him with special awards. London’s famous Madame Tussauds even began making a waxwork of him. Flight Magazine, meanwhile, lauded his Corinthian spirit, loftily assuring its readers that Rolls had made the crossing not in the name of “merely winning souvenirs†and “without the smallest monetary inducement†– a claim that may have rankled somewhat with Rolls, who had spent almost a third of a million pounds (at today’s prices) of his own money on flying in the first half of 1910 alone. It was perhaps with this in mind that he wryly remarked: “It is the only time I have succeeded in taking ten gallons of fuel in and out of France without paying duty.â€
It is a sign of how quickly aviation and aeroplanes were developing that Rolls’ record-breaking flight came less than a year after Louis Blériot had stunned the world with the first powered flight from France to England in July 1909. Rolls made his double crossing in a Wright Flyer, designed by Wilbur and Orville Wright, who had recorded the world’s very first flight in a heavier-than-air machine just seven years earlier in 1903.
This timescale underlines the truly perilous nature of Rolls’ adventure. His aeroplane, built from wood and fabric braced with spars and wires, had a wingspan of just 12 metres (40 feet) and weighed only 457kg (1008lb) including the engine – about the same weight as a grand piano. The physical dangers of crossing the sea in so primitive a machine are obvious; it seems Rolls himself decided to attempt the return trip only when he was actually over Sangatte and reassured himself everything was working well.
His sole concessions to safety were a lifejacket for himself, and four large buoyancy bags filled with compressed air lashed to the machine’s undercarriage. The Daily Telegraphnoted laconically: “Happily, there was no need to test their efficacy.â€
But Rolls was as experienced as he was daring. His flying career spanned what was then virtually the entire history of aviation. Born in 1877, Rolls had been fascinated by engines since his schooldays – he went on to earn a degree in Mechanical & Applied Science from Trinity College, Cambridge – and was captivated by flying from its inception. He was a founding member of the Royal Aero Club, initially as a balloonist, making over 170 flights and winning the Gordon Bennett Gold Medal in 1903 for the longest sustained time aloft. In the spring of 1909, when the Wright brothers came to England from America as guests of the Royal Aero Club, Rolls acted as their official host. A year later, he became only the second person in Britain to be awarded an aeroplane pilot’s licence.
After their historic first meeting in 1904, Rolls tried to persuade Henry Royce to build an aeroplane. He failed – one can only speculate as to what marvels might have resulted had he succeeded – but undeterred, Rolls bought a Wright Flyer in which he made more than 200 flights.
Tragically, it was in such a machine that Rolls met his death just a month after his cross-Channel feat. On 12 July 1910, during a competition at Bournemouth, the tail-piece broke off and the aircraft plunged to the ground from a height of 100 feet, crashing close to the crowded grandstand in a tangle of spars and canvas. Rolls sustained a fractured skull and was pronounced dead at the scene; he was only the twelfth person in history to be killed in a flying accident, and the first Briton to lose his life in a powered aircraft. He was just a few weeks short of his 33rd birthday.
Although Rolls is vastly more famous today for his automotive achievements, his contribution to aviation was immense and important. In April 1912, a statue commemorating his double Channel crossing was erected in Guilford Gardens on Dover’s seafront; it now stands in Marine Parade Gardens, where it was rededicated on 2 June 1995 by the then Chairman of the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “Charles Rolls combined a fine technical mind with a bold, adventurous spirit; it is no wonder that aviation and motoring held such powerful, almost magical attractions for him. He was a true pioneer in both fields, instrumental in the development of aeroplanes and motor cars with his record-breaking feats.â€
He added: “Rolls challenged the limits of what was believed possible and, as his cross-Channel flight demonstrated, dared to venture beyond them. In so doing, he took technology and human ambition into wholly new territory. That he achieved so much in so short a life is extraordinary and inspiring. His imagination and courage are still very much alive in our company more than a century later.â€
And he concludes, “It seems particularly appropriate to remember his remarkable flight this year. Apart from the historical significance of the 110th anniversary, it comes at a time when we still face severe restrictions on our freedom to travel and explore. It encourages us to keep looking outwards, over the horizon, and dreaming of adventures we’ll take in the future – a reminder that anything is possible.â€
Cadillac has unveiled the one-of-one CELESTIQ Night Test, a handcrafted commission inspired by the quiet hours when elite performance is refined behind the scenes.
Cadillac has introduced the CELESTIQ Night Test, a one-of-one commission designed around the idea that true performance is developed away from the spotlight.
The special model draws inspiration from the quiet hours of intense preparation. Cadillac compares its character to athletes, musicians, and other performers who spend countless hours refining their skills when no audience is present.
The result is an ultra-exclusive CELESTIQ with a darker appearance and a minimalist interior focused on precision.
A dark exterior inspired by after-hours performance
The CELESTIQ Night Test wears a Caspia Tricoat Metallic high-gloss exterior finish. Cadillac pairs the dark body color with distinctive Jade details around the front lighting.
The combination creates a stealth-inspired appearance without abandoning the elegant proportions of the flagship electric model.
The CELESTIQ Night Test features a Caspia Tricoat Metallic exterior with distinctive Jade lighting details.
The car also receives 23-inch reverse wheels with dark finishes and Jade accents. These elements reinforce the concept’s theme of controlled performance and understated speed.
Up front, the Jade-finish lighting bezel frames the headlights while maintaining the model’s clean and sophisticated appearance.
A precision-focused interior
The Night Test theme continues inside the cabin. Cadillac uses a high-contrast combination of Backen Black and Sheer Gray leather to create a more focused atmosphere.
Carbon-fiber accents and brushed-metal details add a technical character to the interior.
The cabin combines Backen Black and Sheer Gray leather with carbon fiber and brushed-metal details.
Rather than relying on excessive visual decoration, the interior emphasizes precision and simplicity.
That approach reflects the philosophy behind the commission. Cadillac wanted every material and finish to contribute to a disciplined, performance-inspired environment.
The result is a cabin that feels more like a carefully engineered instrument than a traditional luxury interior.
Hand-built as a one-of-one CELESTIQ
Like every CELESTIQ, the Night Test was hand-assembled at the Cadillac Artisan Center in Warren, Michigan.
Each vehicle is created from an individually curated selection of colors, materials, and finishes. In this case, Cadillac used that process to create a singular interpretation of the CELESTIQ.
The one-of-one CELESTIQ Night Test was hand-assembled at Cadillac’s Artisan Center in Warren, Michigan.
The special commission will make its public debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, during Monterey Car Week.
Cadillac describes the Night Test as an example of how its bespoke commissioning process can transform the CELESTIQ into a highly personal expression of luxury.
The model also highlights the broader philosophy behind the flagship EV. Rather than offering a fixed set of designs, Cadillac allows clients to create a vehicle around their own tastes and expectations.
The Cadillac CELESTIQ Night Test therefore serves as both a one-off design statement and a showcase of the brand’s growing focus on bespoke luxury. Its dark exterior, technical interior, and handcrafted construction create a distinctive interpretation of Cadillac’s flagship electric vehicle.
Rivian is expanding the R2’s Autonomy+ system with broader hands-free driving, on-demand lane changes, and a path toward point-to-point assisted driving.
Rivian is continuing to expand the R2’s Autonomy+ technology with new driver-assistance features and over-the-air updates. The system is designed to make daily driving easier while giving owners access to new capabilities as the software develops.
Every Gen 2 R1 and R2 currently supports Universal Hands-Free and Lane Change on Command on compatible roads. Rivian is also preparing a larger point-to-point assisted driving feature for the future.
Universal Hands-Free continues to expand
Universal Hands-Free is currently available on 3.5 million miles of roads in the United States and Canada. When lane markings are clearly visible and the system is available, drivers can activate it by double-pulling the right stalk.
The feature allows drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel while continuing to monitor the road.
Rivian’s Universal Hands-Free system lets R2 drivers use hands-free assistance on compatible roads.
Rivian also offers Co-Steer, which allows drivers to make small steering inputs without completely disengaging Universal Hands-Free.
This can be useful when avoiding potholes or giving additional space to large vehicles.
The system also includes Drive Styles, allowing drivers to adjust the character of the assisted driving experience from Mild to Spicy.
Lane Change on Command expands beyond highways
Rivian has also expanded Lane Change on Command. The feature previously focused on highway use, but the latest software update allows it to operate on any road where Universal Hands-Free is available.
Drivers simply check that the destination lane is clear, activate the turn signal, and allow the R2 to complete the maneuver.
Lane Change on Command can now operate on roads where Universal Hands-Free is available.
The latest software update also adds more visual information to the driver display. The Autonomy view can now show traffic lights, stop signs, and traffic cones.
These additions give drivers more information about what the vehicle’s systems are detecting while assisted driving is active.
Point-to-point driving is next
The next major step for Rivian is Point-to-Point assisted driving.
The feature is designed to let drivers enter an address and supervise while the vehicle follows the route from start to finish.
Rivian is preparing Point-to-Point assisted driving for a limited rollout later in 2026.
Point-to-Point is expected to handle city streets, highway interchanges, turns, lane changes, and intersections under continuous driver supervision.
Rivian says a limited rollout will begin later this year, with a broader customer rollout targeted for 2027.
The company believes the transition can happen quickly because much of the underlying technology is already being developed and tested across its fleet.
Dodge is bringing its latest performance models to the 2026 Woodward Dream Cruise, led by the 600-horsepower Charger Super Bee Launch Edition and a new Durango concept.
Dodge is taking its performance lineup back to Woodward Avenue following the latest Roadkill Nights event. For 2026, the automaker will showcase several new and customized models during the Woodward Dream Cruise in Michigan.
The centerpiece will be the 2027 Dodge Charger Super Bee Launch Edition, which delivers 600 horsepower and represents the latest expansion of the Charger performance lineup.
The Charger Super Bee leads Dodge’s Woodward display
The biggest attraction at Dodge’s display will be the new 600-horsepower Charger Super Bee Launch Edition.
The performance model uses the high-output 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane SIXPACK engine and combines modern technology with traditional muscle-car attitude.
The 2027 Dodge Charger Super Bee Launch Edition will headline Dodge’s Woodward Dream Cruise display.
Dodge will also give visitors their first public look at the new Charger Red Oxide exterior color.
The dark finish is designed to add a more aggressive appearance to the new Charger. Dodge is encouraging fans to photograph the vehicle and share their images during the event.
The display will take place at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bloomfield Township on Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
A new Durango concept joins the Charger
The Super Bee will not be alone. Dodge is also bringing the Durango R/T 392 Smokescreen concept to Woodward.
The concept gives the Durango a more distinctive appearance and continues Dodge’s recent push toward additional personalization across its performance lineup.
The Durango R/T 392 Smokescreen concept will join the Super Bee during Dodge’s Woodward display.
Fans will also see several customized vehicles, including the Toxic Orange Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak and a Cha Ching Charger Scat Pack.
Dodge will further highlight its Tinted Dual Stripes graphic package, showing how customers can personalize the appearance of their performance vehicles without relying entirely on aftermarket modifications.
A 1,000-horsepower Charger returns to the spotlight
Another major attraction will be John O’Malley, winner of the Direct Connection Grudge Match at Roadkill Nights.
O’Malley will appear alongside his highly modified 1,000-horsepower Dodge Charger Scat Pack, giving visitors an opportunity to see one of the most extreme builds associated with the event.
John O’Malley will display his 1,000-horsepower modified Charger Scat Pack at the Dodge event.
The Grudge Match project started with a 550-horsepower Charger Scat Pack and challenged automotive builders to modify and tune the platform for competition.
The winning build now provides another example of what can be achieved with Dodge’s performance-focused hardware.
Dodge keeps its muscle-car strategy in focus
The Woodward display comes during an important period for Dodge. The brand is expanding the Charger family with several gasoline and electric performance models while continuing to offer high-output SUVs.
The current Charger lineup includes the 420-horsepower Charger R/T, the 550-horsepower Charger Scat Pack, and the 600-horsepower Super Bee. Dodge also offers the electric 670-horsepower Charger Daytona Scat Pack.
The 2027 Dodge Charger Super Bee is therefore part of a much broader strategy that gives buyers multiple ways to experience Dodge performance.
The brand will also continue to promote factory-backed customization through Direct Connection, including performance components developed specifically for its latest muscle cars and trucks.
With the Super Bee, the Smokescreen concept, custom-color builds, and a 1,000-horsepower Charger on display, Dodge is using the 2026 Woodward Dream Cruise to put its performance identity firmly back in the spotlight.
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