An iconic classic reinvented with cutting-edge electric technology: this is the Knepper 1303 RS-E, a Beetle capable of accelerating like a Formula 1 car from another era.
At first glance, this Marathon Blue Volkswagen Beetle 1303 could easily be mistaken for a well-preserved classic. But the moment it moves off, it becomes clear that this is something extraordinary. This Beetle delivers 601 horsepower and 518 lb-ft of torque thanks to a high-performance electric powertrain, making it one of the most radical restomods ever built on the legendary German icon. The project proves that electrification can not only respect, but significantly enhance, the legacy of the automotive greats.
From air-cooled classic to electric missile
The heart of this transformation is not an air-cooled boxer engine, but a modern three-phase asynchronous electric motor. For purists, that may sound like heresy, but for Rüdiger Knepper, founder of Knepper Bugs & More, it represents the natural evolution of the concept. In normal use, the car is limited to 200 hp to comply with TÃV regulations, while its full output is reserved for track use. Even so, the power delivery is brutal–instant and relentless–hurling the Beetle forward with an intensity worthy of a modern single-seater.
The project began with a 1975 VW 1303 rescued from a California junkyard. While the bodywork was badly damaged, the structure was sound–ideal for a full ground-up rebuild. During the restoration, almost every component was replaced or upgraded: the body was returned to near-original form but gained wider carbon-fiber rear fenders and a carbon roof spoiler, improving high-speed stability without compromising the classic silhouette.
From a technical standpoint, the chassis is a genuine engineering showcase. Much of the suspension comes from a Porsche 944, combined with components from KW, Bilstein, and Kerscher. Braking duties are handled by Porsche 944 Turbo S calipers with Porsche 964 front discs, while Porsche Cup 2 wheels are wrapped in Toyo Proxes TR-1 tires. Power is supplied by 17 battery modules from a Porsche Taycan, feeding a rear motor sourced from a Tesla Model S Performance. Power is sent directly to the wheels via Porsche 930 drive shafts, eliminating the need for a traditional gearbox.
The performance figures speak for themselves: 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, with a driving range between 100 and 250 kilometers depending on driving style. Charging is possible via CCS fast charging or standard AC using an adapter. Inside, the cabin largely retains its classic character, but a digital control panel replaces the clutch pedal and gear lever. As the ultimate proof of reliability, Knepper drove nearly 8,000 kilometers across Europe–including Spain–and even took a ferry to Morocco, without a single technical issue. An electric Beetle that impresses not only on paper, but in real-world use as well.
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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