Category: News

The BYD Group has scored a major coup by breaking two speed records in quick succession with its Yangwang U9 Xtreme, the most important of which is that of the world’s fastest production car.

Back in April, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra dethroned Porsche on its home turf, beating the sportiest version of the Taycan in the electric category at the legendary Nürburgring. This autumn, it’s another electric hypercar that is shaking up the historic giants of sports cars with an even more impressive record. The Yangwang U9 Xtreme has become the fastest production car in the world on the ATP (Automotive Testing Papenburg) circuit in Germany. And that’s just for starters.

3000 bhp and 496 km/h for the Yangwang U9

The ‘production’ version of the Yangwang U9 is a supercar to be presented in 2023 by this sports division of the BYD Group. The basic model already boasts 1,300bhp and a 0-100kph time of two seconds, making it one of the best in its class. But its Xtreme variant, as the name suggests, pushes the envelope even further, with over 3,000bhp!

It was with these strong arguments that the Yangwang U9 Xtreme arrived on the ATP scene and smashed the speed record previously held by the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+. In fact, the Chinese racer managed the feat of clocking up 496.22 km/h on the speedometer. That’s insane. What’s more, assuming that the ATP is a shorter test track than Ehra Lessien, where Bugatti set its record, BYD reckons that its hypercar could have reached or even exceeded 500 km/h…

Impressive on the Nürburgring too

But as the world speed record didn’t seem to be enough, BYD sent its Yangwang U9 Xtreme to take on… Xiaomi! As we mentioned in the introduction, the lap record for an electric car was beaten last April by the SU7 Ultra in 7 minutes and 04 seconds. Well, the U9 Xtreme has achieved the feat of doing so in 6 minutes and 59 seconds. Admittedly, that’s not much of a gap, but it says a lot about the BYD group’s ambitions to not only extinguish the European competition, but also its compatriots!

It remains to be seen whether this Xtreme version will be available to the general public. Well, ‘general public’ is a bit of an exaggeration, but the brand had to produce it, at least in small series, in order to homologate its record as the fastest production car in the world. This will certainly be the case, with a limited edition of around thirty units, which should not have too much trouble selling despite the prohibitive price… Beating Bugatti, Porsche and Xiaomi within a few days of each other is a hell of a publicity stunt!

Cadillac took advantage of the Lyon Motor Show to unveil, for the first time to the French public, its new VISTIQ large electric SUV, for which orders are already open in Europe.

If the Cadillac stand catches the eye at the Lyon Motor Show, it’s not because of the number of models on display. No, if you can spot the American brand from afar, it’s because it took the opportunity to unveil its imposing VISTIQ electric SUV to the French public for the first time. We’re already familiar with the LYRIQ, an SUV coupé/breakback that’s already quite substantial, but now we’ll have to get used to its new companion, which is 5.22 m long, 1.80 m high and 2 m wide. That’s what we call, on the Old Continent at least, a beautiful beast.

A family limousine

But it’s not just its dimensions that impress. VISTIQ is also a success in terms of design. It exudes luxury and tranquillity: discreet lines, gentle curves and a harmonious whole. A special mention goes to the radiator grille, which is very elegant and not flashy, with a modernised light signature that is nonetheless faithful to the iconic Cadillac front end. Inside, once again, premium reigns supreme. Wood panelling, aluminium, a curved screen – our favourite! – and an augmented reality head-up display. The AKG Dolby Atmos audio system with its 23 speakers is of the highest quality, as are the massaging/heating/ventilated seats.

There are 6 seats, with the option of adding a third seat in the second row. Enough to take the whole family on a road trip along Route Nationale 7, the French equivalent of Route 66. And the good thing about such an imposing vehicle is that there’s plenty of room in the boot, even with six passengers: 431 litres! That figure rises to 2,271 litres with the seats folded down.

From 0 to 100 in 4 seconds for VISTIQ

And what about performance? Here again, it’s out of all proportion! With an unladen weight of 2.9 tonnes, you might expect it to drag itself along, but that’s not the case. With 623bhp and 881Nm of torque, its two engines and all-wheel drive allow it to accelerate from 0 to 60mph (96kph) in 3.7 seconds. That’s a hell of a time! In terms of range, it’s pretty respectable for a vehicle of this size and specification, coming close to 490 km, with the promise of a rapid 190 kW recharge that will regain 130 km in ten minutes.

With a price starting at around €100,000, the Cadillac VISTIQ is almost alone in its segment. But with the growing popularity of models such as the less expensive G9 from Xpeng, the Detroit-based brand has no choice but to distinguish itself through quality materials, performance and looks. Having seen the beast in action at the Lyon Motor Show, ECO MOTORS NEWS can confirm that it has succeeded!

ECO MOTORS NEWS had the opportunity to walk the aisles of the Lyon 2025 Motor Show, and among the most eagerly-awaited exhibitors was Alpine, with the first public showing of the Alpine A390 electric SUV.

Alpine’s presence at the Lyon Motor Show was a fitting way for the manufacturer to celebrate its 70th anniversary. Several versions of the A110 saloon car were on show, including a special anniversary version, but above all – and this is what interests us most at ECO MOTORS NEWS – the Dieppe-based manufacturer highlighted its ‘Dream Garage’, in other words its dream line-up of 100% electric cars. The A290 city car, based on the Renault 5 E-Tech, was on show, as was the season’s big news, the much-anticipated A390 SUV coupé.

A390, a real Alpine?

When the A390 was unveiled at Dieppe at the end of May 2025, journalists were only allowed to see photos of the aircraft, and while its simple, effective design was universally acclaimed, it did not arouse the crowds. Well, it turned out to be a pleasant surprise! Indeed, the ‘wow’ factor was certainly there when we saw the beast in the flesh, or rather in metal and watts. At 4.6 metres long and 1.90 metres wide, the fastback silhouette of this relatively massive SUV, with its plunging roof, is a real success. Its design is much more racy and aggressive under the lights of the showroom, with lines that seem to melt into the bodywork. It’s rather elegant, and while the front end is a far cry from the Alpine style, it does have one thing in common: sportiness.

This sportiness can also be found ‘under the bonnet’. The Alpine A390 is equipped with three Cléon electric motors made in Normandy, all-wheel drive and a system called Active Torque Vectoring, which the manufacturer promises will give the SUV an “agility worthy of the brand’s reputation“. It delivers the equivalent of 400bhp in GT form and 470bhp in GTS form, enough to easily (and happily) push its two tonnes or so without worrying about either power or driving pleasure, with a 0-100kph time of less than four seconds. But to find out for sure, you’ll have to take it for a test drive!

555 km range and a mission

While Alpine’s DNA is all about sportiness, the A390 is nonetheless an SUV, and SUVs mean high sales expectations. Its mission, therefore, is not only to win over Alpine aficionados, but also to attract new customers. To do that, it offers a decent level of comfort, even if a plunging roof makes it difficult, but the typical architecture of an electric car means that not too much space is lost in exchange. Above all, the brand is promising a range of up to 555 kilometres, which puts it a hair below the Porsche Macan 4S. As for recharging, we’re promised 20 minutes to go from 15 to 80%, again within the market average.

These are strong arguments, not to mention the fact that the car is made in France, in Dieppe. The price is not yet official, but we have been told that the GT version could be offered for around €65,000, and the GTS version for around €75,000. One thing is certain: after 70 years of a rich history, Alpine has no intention of giving up. On the contrary, the emblematic Norman manufacturer seems to be taking the electric route with a masterful SUV which, while it may have raised a few eyebrows at the time of its presentation, could well end up putting everyone on the same wavelength.

It’s when you stop expecting them that the nice surprises come! That was the case when we discovered the new look of the 6ᵉ generation Honda Prelude in the bays of the Lyon 2025 Motor Show. More than twenty years after it ceased production, the Japanese sports car that marked an entire generation is making its grand return to Europe.

A successful blend of heritage and modernity

At first glance, it’s obvious: the Prelude of 2026 is not the car of yesteryear. Like its ancestors, it retains its sporty silhouette, low lines and dynamic profile – in short, the codes that made it such a success. There’s a sharp front end and a distinctive light signature. The modern touch, meanwhile, is reflected in its compact appearance, aerodynamic details and unmistakable refinement, confirming Honda’s desire to make a sports coupé that is as seductive as it is efficient.

Powertrains and performance: hybrid as a matter of course

The powertrain has been confirmed: the Honda Prelude will be equipped with an e:HEV hybrid powertrain, combining a combustion engine and two electric motors. The chassis is strongly inspired by that of the Honda Civic Type R, a guarantee of sportiness, and the brand is introducing a new S+ clutch mode, which simulates automatic gear changes for a more engaging driving experience. All the more reason to take full advantage of the 200bhp developed by this sports car.

In Lyon, the new Honda Prelude was presented as a model steeped in history, with a modernised silhouette and a hybrid powertrain, a sign that Honda wants to combine heritage and energy transition. It remains to be hoped that this version, which is due to arrive in Europe in early 2026, will be able to stand on its own two feet and not remain in the shadow of its predecessors.

The star of the Peugeot stand at the Lyon 2025 Motor Show is undoubtedly the E-208 GTi show car, which combines desirable design, great performance and passion, all in 100% electric form.

Presented at Le Mans last June, the Peugeot E-208 GTi had not yet reached the general public. Now it has, in the form of a show car – a car that is very close to the production model, but not yet 100% – at the Lyon Motor Show, which runs until September 28 in the capital of France. The red livery is a real eye-catcher, attracting journalists and visitors alike. ECO MOTORS NEWS was no exception to the rule, and was mesmerised…

Firstly, there’s the design. This E-208 GTi respects the codes of the more classic version. But some details seem to be infused with sportiness. 18-inch wheels in XXL wheel arches, spectacular diffusers at the rear, wider wings and a lowered chassis are rather subtle, but this was also the case with the 205 GTi, for example. There are plenty of references to the latter, particularly inside, with the return of the red carpet, 205-inspired seats and aluminium pedals.

The technical specifications of the Peugeot E-208 GTi are mouth-watering

It now remains to be seen whether this E-208 GTi will be able to stand up to the comparison with its illustrious ancestor. Designed entirely by Peugeot Sport, it promises 280 bhp, a 0 to 100 kph time of 5.7 seconds and a torque of 345 Nm – which is immediately accessible, as is also the advantage of electric over petrol engines. In other words, the 205 GTi’s signature ‘kick in the pants’ should also be found behind the wheel of this E-208 GTi. Peugeot has also announced a range of 350 km, which is rather respectable, even if, on a model of this type, this seems rather secondary…

Still at the show car stage, Peugeot’s electrically-powered compact should, of course, go into series production. There’s no exact date on the stand yet, but spring 2026 seems an achievable target…

ECO MOTORS NEWS was at the Lyon Motor Show for its second edition. This year, Lexus made its mark by presenting two brand new models for the first time in France: the new ES saloon and the RZ electric SUV. These two vehicles embody the Japanese premium brand’s multi-technology strategy and confirm its ambitions for the European market.

The new Lexus ES: elegance and electrification

This year, the 8th generation of this large saloon is being updated. At 5.14 metres long, the new Lexus ES boasts a refined design, with clean, assertive lines. Inside, Lexus is true to its image: the emphasis is on sobriety and quality, with the use of noble materials such as bamboo.

When it comes to engines, the Toyota Group brand will offer you a choice: either its hybrid version or its 100% electric version with a range of 530 km. It’s a strategy that could pay off in the competition with European premium saloons. The launch is scheduled for summer 2026.

The Lexus RZ: sporty and innovative

On the same Lexus stand, the RZ plays the dynamism card. A 100% electric SUV, it focuses on driving pleasure and features the latest Lexus innovations, including a steer-by-wire system and a Formula 1-style steering wheel. As for the engine, Lexus is clear: the driver must be able to have fun with this SUV. And indeed, with 400 bhp, the promise seems to be kept. As for the announced range, Lexus’s Managing Director for France admits that, at 588 km, it is not one of the best performers on the market, but that it is the quality of the user experience that is prioritised.

The RZ will cost between €61,000 and €80,000, depending on the range. It will be available in March 2026.

The Toyota Group, a definite sales force

These launches were of great interest, especially as the parent brand Toyota unveiled three new vehicles at the same time: the Toyota BZ4X, the CH-R+ and the AYGO Cross Hybrid. Once again, the Japanese brand is proving that its strength lies in 3 principles: reliability, quality and adaptability to customer needs.

Live from the Lyon Motor Show, ECO MOTORS NEWS witnessed the first appearance in France of two models of vital importance to Volkswagen: the new T-Roc and, above all, the eagerly-awaited ID. Polo 100% electric.

It was a long-awaited announcement, and it was sure to be one of the highlights of the 2025 Lyon Motor Show. At the heart of its imposing stand in the centre of Eurexpo, Volkswagen presented, for the first time in France, the new version of its two best-sellers in France: the T-Roc, in second place, and the Polo, in first place.

The 2026 version of the T-Roc crossover is being described as a ‘baby Tiguan’, as it benefits from technological improvements that bring it closer to its more upmarket companion – Park Assist, augmented reality head-up display – and shares its platform. 12 cm longer than the previous version, the ‘little’ SUV will be offered with a full hybrid engine.

ID. Polo, small but strong

But what interested us most was when the tarpaulin went up to reveal the new ID. Polo. Well, unveiling is a big word, as it retains its camouflage, in this case a nod to the iconic Polo Harlequin of the 1980s. During the presentation, VW did not mince its words: it was a ‘revival’, but also ‘a return to the source’. A new backlit light signature has been added to the Polo’s emblematic sturdy wheel arches and inverted C-pillar. It’s hard to say much more about the design, as this is still a camouflaged version, and the interior is not yet in its final form. But we do know that it will be just over 4 metres long and, despite a wider front end, will still be the city car we’ve been waiting for.

As for the technical specification, there’s not much to go on here either, but this electric ID. Polo electric, in its most powerful version, will offer, according to Volkswagen, a range of up to 450 kilometres. What’s more, it will be the group’s first electric traction car!

“Quality, robustness and accessible innovation“.

The group is very enthusiastic, and insists that the ID. Polo, whose launch coincides with the model’s 50th anniversary, will retain everything that has made previous generations so successful: “quality, robustness and accessible innovation“. As far as the first two points are concerned, we’ll have to wait for more information and, why not, the car in our hands.

In terms of affordability, Volkswagen says its ID. Polo will start at €25,000 for the French market. Manufactured in Spain at Volkswagen’s Pamplona plant, it will go on sale in May 2026, with deliveries scheduled for the following autumn. Just in time for a new social leasing campaign? That seems to be the brand’s objective…

Innovation knows no bounds. The latest example is continental’s idea to reuse cooking oil in the creation of their tyres.

Known as one of the leaders in the global tyre market, the German tyre manufacturer is continuing its journey towards carbon neutrality. Following in the footsteps of recycled polyester and natural rubber, Continental is making further progress, this time using used cooking oil to produce rubber. By 2024
almost 26% of the raw materials used by the company were renewable or recycled. The objective is clear: to reach 40% by 2030 and aim for 100% sustainable materials by 2050.

How does it work?

After being harvested and treated, the cooking oil is processed to obtain a raw material that can replace synthetic rubber. A tyre is made up of two types of rubber: natural rubber, which is extremely resistant to wear, and synthetic rubber, which has superior braking and rolling resistance characteristics. By replacing part of the latter, Continental limits the use of fossil resources while guaranteeing identical performance and lifespan according to its own tests.

A market where innovation makes the difference

Faced with competitors such as Bridgestone, Michelin and Goodyear, Continental is banking on its lead in sustainable tyres to stand out from the crowd. In a sector where the reduction of emissions and the circularity of materials are becoming major criteria, the German firm is establishing itself as a major player. It remains to be seen whether this innovation will catch on on a large scale and pave the way for other similar initiatives.

The e-Palette, Toyota’s autonomous (and inevitably electric) shuttle, is one step closer to the of the future as our ancestors imagined it. Not a flying car, of course, but a multitasking vehicle that can adapt to any situation.

Let’s delve into our childhood memories: a comic strip, a film, a book about the future.
“future”. There’s no escaping flying cars, no escaping ‘intelligent’ robots, and no escaping omnipresent
ubiquitous screens, ditto. And, more often than not, in this fantasised future, people no longer
on the cow floor in a car. No, they climb into autonomous vehicles
autonomous vehicles, which can be fitted out as they please and asked to go anywhere.
anywhere. Toyota has ticked that last box with the e-Pallet.

Initially used in prototype form at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 as a showcase for the Japanese giant’s technological know-how, it will finally see the light of day, “for real”.
the Japanese giant’s technological know-how, it will finally see the light of day, “for real”,
first in Japan, before perhaps conquering the world. Of course, its prohibitive price tag
of €165,000 makes it primarily a vehicle for connected cities, or those in the process of becoming ‘smarter’.
“These are likely to flourish over the next 10 years.

Ultra-modular architecture

Enough chit-chat about the concept, the idea, the motivations. Now that it’s really coming out, we can
we can talk about something concrete. This Toyota e-Pallet is almost 5 metres long, 2.65 metres high
and 2 metres wide. That’s plenty of space inside, but the reduced driving position
and the absence of an imposing combustion engine. More than volume, it’s above all
the e-Palette’s versatility.

It’s like a blank sheet of paper on wheels, so you can transform it as you wish, depending on how you want to use it.
as you like, depending on what you want to use it for: a medical vehicle, a mobile pop-up
mobile pop-up store, taxi lounge, why not a coffee-shop or simply an XXL trunk?
In short, we can imagine it transporting patients from one hospital wing to another, or simply
from the airport to their hotel in a cosy space,
enabling a shop to pick up customers rather than bringing them in, or delivering parcels.
parcel delivery.

All with enough power to go the distance. The e-Palette is equipped with a battery of almost
73 kWh battery and a 150 kW electric motor. Not enough to set the Le Mans race
Le Mans, but it is claimed to have a range of nearly 250 km. That’s pretty good for a commuter! And
to be really useful all the way, Toyota has thought of the possibility of transforming its e-Palette into an electric generator if required.
e-Palette into an electric generator if required.

100% autonomous by 2027?

In the introduction, I talked about autonomy. Then, later in the article, I mentioned the driving
driving position. It’s not a mistake on my part, I’m just getting ahead of myself.
For the time being, the e-Palette only benefits from level 2 assisted driving, which gives it a good deal of autonomy, but still requires a great deal of preparation.
This gives it a great deal of autonomy, but still requires the presence of a driver.
Level 4 autonomy, which enables the vehicle to be driven without a driver (on defined stretches of road known to the vehicle), will be available in the future.
known to the vehicle) is planned by Toyota for 2027. That’s tomorrow.

A pioneer in hybrids when no-one believed in them, then in ‘smart cities’ with its Woven
City, when it was just a distant idea, Toyota continues to give us glimpses of the future before anyone else.
the future before anyone else, this time with a simple electric shuttle that we could well see (it or the models that follow it).
be seen on our streets in large numbers in the next decade.
decade.

The Lyon Motor Show 2025 will take place from 24 to 28 September. Held every two years, alternating with the Paris Motor Show, it has established itself as the second most important motor show in France. After a successful 2023 event, the 2025 edition will feature a host of new products, including electrified vehicles, and a number of test drives.

Lyon’s Eurexpo centre is getting ready to host the 2025 edition of the Lyon Motor Show from 24 to 28 September. In all, 57 manufacturers are expected to be on hand to present their new products over an area of almost 50,000 m2, some of which will be unveiled to the French public for the first time, others for the first time at all, and some of which will even be previewed. It’s an interactive show that puts the public at the heart of its operation: at the last edition, in 2023, nearly 400 cars were available to test drive, and we’re expecting at least the same number this year.

The Lyon 2025 Motor Show is organised around seven ‘universes’: used vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorsport, van life, services and accessories, ecomobility and new vehicles. Of course, it’s these last two that interest us most, but the editorial team will of course take the time to visit all the stands. And yes, ECO MOTORS NEWS will be there, from the press day on September 23! In the meantime, here’s an overview of the new products that have been announced and/or are expected, although we can’t rule out a few surprises… For that, we’ll have to wait until the big day.

French cars out in force at the Lyon Motor Show

As the capital of the Gauls, the Lyon Motor Show is bound to be a showcase for national cars. DS will be showcasing its new spearhead, the N°8 top-of-the-range saloon/SUV electric coupé, on which the brand is betting big. The company will also be previewing the restyled N°4.

On the Alpine side, the new A390 SUV, unveiled last May at Dieppe, will be making its debut. Following on from the warm welcome given to the A290 city car, which has enjoyed fairly decent sales in this niche segment, this will be an opportunity to confirm the popularity of Alpine electric sauce with a second model positioned in a much tighter market, that of top-of-the-range electric SUVs.

Peugeot’s main attraction will be the presentation of the new e-208 GTI, which is expected to be a showpiece, while Citroën will be highlighting the C3 and C5 Aircross. Finally, Renault will be present with the Clio 6 in the spotlight, already presented in Munich a few days ago.

Manufacturers from all over the world at Lyon

Of course, it’s not just the French manufacturers who will be presenting their new electrified models in Lyon. The giants will be there, including Tesla with the Performance version of its Model Y, and BYD, which is still struggling to sell its 100% electric cars in Europe, and has decided to focus on the Seal 6 hybrid. Still on the subject of giants, Volkswagen, which was already very active in Munich at the beginning of the month, will also be taking up a lot of space in Lyon, notably with the new T-Roc and the still camouflaged version of its ID.Polo.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Jeep is planning to present its new Compass to the French public, a compact SUV in which the brand has high hopes, and which will be available in both electric and hybrid versions. Cadillac, the legendary firm from Detroit, is likely to shock the world with two 100% electric monsters: the Lyriq, which we already know, and the Vistiq, even more massive, exceeding 5 m in length and 2 m in width.

What about Japan? Well, the beautiful Lexus ES saloon will be making its first appearance on French soil, as will the upgraded version of the RZ SUV. The Lyon Motor Show will also provide an opportunity to see the new 100% electric Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross in the flesh, as well as the 100% electric version of Isuzu’s legendary D-Max pick-up.

It’s a short step from Munich to the Lyon Motor Show

ECO MOTORS NEWS may have been lucky enough to attend the IAA Mobility show in Munich at the beginning of September, but not everyone else was. But don’t panic, the Lyon Motor Show will be the perfect opportunity to catch up. The Clio 6, as mentioned above, will be making its French debut, and the impressive Skoda Vision O and Audi Concept C will be on show, along with the Xpeng P7+ and some very promising new models from Opel.

Finally, there are a number of models that aren’t exactly new, but which we can’t wait to get close to – and try out? – including the spectacular Lotus Eletre SUV and the already cult Tesla Cybertruck. And, who knows, we might even take a look at the Prestige area and the Hypercars Zone, which, even though they mainly feature combustion-powered cars, will be well worth the diversions with the presence of Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, McLaren and Porsche. It’s sure to be a sight to behold!