BMW's new concept car looks like regular sedan but is designed to stop bullets | In pics
Hidden armour: BMW has unveiled the Concept 7 Protection, a luxury armoured sedan designed to protect occupants against selected handgun threats while retaining the appearance of the standard 7 Series. The concept targets private and corporate customers seeking discreet security against everyday and unpredictable risks. BMW has integrated the protective features into the vehicle to preserve its comfort, appearance and driving dynamics. Protection levels: The BMW Concept 7 Protection expands BMW’s range of security vehicles, sitting below the BMW 7 Series Protection and BMW X5 Protection VR6 in terms of its intended protection requirements. The existing BMW 7 Series Protection offers VR9 protection, with VPAM 10 available as an option. The concept instead focuses on customers who require protection against specific handgun threats rather than higher-level security risks. Bullet resistance: The concept features thicker bullet-resistant glass than the standard 7 Series, along with ballistic steel and fibre-reinforced composites integrated into the doors. Additional protective elements cover the rear triangular windows, roof, bulkhead and rear wall. The protection system is designed to cover vulnerable areas around the doors, glazing and bodywork while preserving the sedan’s familiar exterior appearance. Handgun threats: The BMW Concept 7 Protection complies with the new BayB standard and is designed to protect against selected handgun ammunition, including 9×19 mm and .44 Magnum rounds. BMW says the vehicle is intended for situations involving violent attacks, threats during road travel and uncertain security conditions. It is not designed to provide blast protection, which requires a vehicle with a higher level of protection. 612 hp output: Based on technology from the BMW M760e xDrive, the concept uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor integrated into an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The system produces a combined output of 450 kW (612 hp) and maximum torque of 800 Nm. BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive completes the powertrain setup. Driving dynamics: BMW has calibrated the chassis, brakes, powertrain and driver assistance systems to account for the additional protection equipment. The company says this integrated approach is intended to retain a driving experience similar to that of a standard production 7 Series. The concept combines certified protection with the comfort and driving characteristics of BMW’s luxury sedan. Private cabin: The interior features BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery, Alcantara trims and sun protection glazing. Electronically operated sunblinds provide additional privacy, while a digital interior mirror improves rearward visibility. The cabin retains the spacious layout and comfort associated with the 7 Series, with the protective elements integrated into the vehicle rather than displayed prominently. Rear-seat upgrade: The concept showcases a BMW Individual rear console with a foldable table, wireless charging tray and cool box. BMW says the rear console will be available for the standard 7 Series during the second half of 2027. The feature adds workspace and storage for rear passengers, complementing the concept’s focus on comfort and discreet security. Added security: An intercom system allows occupants to communicate with people outside the vehicle while keeping the doors and windows closed. It uses interior and exterior microphones and loudspeakers, alongside an attack alarm system that provides visual and audible alerts. The front and rear side windows can be operated electronically but cannot be fully opened. Production plans: BMW says the Concept 7 Protection provides a preview of a possible expansion of its protection vehicle portfolio for additional customer groups. Selected European markets are the initial focus. The company has not announced a production decision, launch timeline or pricing for the concept.
2026-10-14T05:02:45Z
Porsche Mission S revealed: New supercar to sit above the 911, cost much more | In pics
Above The 911: Porsche AG has unveiled the Mission S concept in New York, previewing a new mid-engined supercar platform positioned above the 911. The company plans to make the platform a permanent part of its line-up rather than develop a limited-run hypercar. The Mission S also introduces design elements that Porsche intends to carry into future production models as part of its “Sportwagenschmiede ’35” strategy. Classic Design: The Mission S draws design inspiration from Porsche models including the 911, 959, GT1, 917 and 928. It features round headlights, a low front end, prominent front fenders, a sloping roofline and an integrated active rear wing. A roof-mounted air intake and a continuous line connecting the front and rear lights define its exterior, while the rear bodywork references the GT1. Racing Links: Porsche has incorporated several details inspired by its racing history into the Mission S. Its engine cooling design takes cues from the radiator fan of the 917 endurance racer, while the lightweight wheels reference the 928. The rear design uses a “car-in-car” concept inspired by the GT1. Porsche says the concept combines these historic design elements with a direction intended for future sports cars. Analogue Cabin: The Mission S interior takes inspiration from the 550 Spyder and 356 sports cars. Five round instruments sit behind the steering wheel, with an analogue rev counter at the centre. The instrument layout changes according to the selected driving mode. Physical buttons, rotary switches and push-pull controls feature prominently, reflecting Porsche’s decision to prioritise direct driver interaction over a screen-heavy dashboard. Phone Controls: The concept does not have a permanently fitted central touchscreen or a fixed passenger display. Instead, it features a retractable smartphone holder compatible with Apple MagSafe technology. Drivers can use their phones for navigation and other information, while the My Porsche app provides access to vehicle functions and alternative instrument designs. The cabin also features redesigned Sport Chrono controls and repositioned electric seat adjustment controls. Engine Details: Porsche has not announced the production model’s engine configuration, performance figures or technical specifications. Chief Executive Officer Michael Leiters said the platform would offer flexibility in its powertrain options, although the final configuration remains undisclosed. He described the engine details as “still a secret” and said the powertrain would remain consistent with Porsche’s identity. The company has also not announced a production timeline or price. Profit Strategy: The Mission S forms part of Porsche’s plan to improve profitability by expanding its range of higher-priced vehicles. The company has faced falling sales in China, US trade tariffs and costly electrification decisions. Porsche is cutting jobs, reducing management ranks and trimming development spending as it seeks to restore margins. The strategy prioritises higher average selling prices rather than relying on increased vehicle volumes. Margin Recovery: Porsche’s operating return on sales fell to 1.1% last year, compared with levels near 18% around its 2022 listing. The company is targeting a medium-term operating return of 10% to 15% and plans to reduce its break-even sales volume to about 200,000 vehicles, from a cost base designed for roughly 350,000. Its strategy resembles Ferrari’s focus on higher prices and exclusivity. Volkswagen Impact: Porsche’s financial difficulties have also affected parent company Volkswagen AG, which recently recorded a €6 billion writedown on its Porsche holding amid weaker Chinese demand. Volkswagen is cutting jobs and factory capacity while funding electric vehicles, software and other technologies. Improving earnings at Porsche and luxury brand Audi is therefore important to the group’s wider restructuring and investment plans. Production Prospects: The Mission S remains a concept, and Porsche has not confirmed when a production version will arrive. However, the company has previously developed production cars from concepts, including the 2015 Mission E, which became the all-electric Taycan. A production Mission S would mark Porsche’s return to the supercar segment since the 918 Spyder, priced at €768,026, of which 918 examples were produced before production ended.
2026-10-16T05:02:43Z
They started drifting in the middle of the road - then the police showed up
Tokyo's car culture is more than famous parking areas, JDM icons, and scenes from Tokyo Drift. This video dives deep into the city's real automotive underground, from Daikoku meets and tuning shops to C1 highway runs, JDM low riders, drift circuits, and late-night street drifting. Along the way, local drivers, builders, and scene veterans reveal how Tokyo's car culture has changed, why it still survives, and what it takes to find the action hidden beneath the surface.
2026-07-06T14:36:16Z
