Big Boy's Toys..

Volkswagen secretly built an Amarok SUV prototype years ago, executives recalled. Project stalled repeatedly because expected sales volumes didn’t justify development. Third-generation Amarok plans could revive SUV idea through future partnerships. Volkswagen has spent years watching rivals cash in on rugged, ladder-frame pickup-based SUVs without offering one of its own. But behind the scenes, some Wolfsburg bosses have been pushing hard to green light just such a project, and it sounds like they haven’t given up on the idea of getting it to the showroom. We previously reported how Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles developed a one-off seven-seat SUV based on the Amarok pickup , the body-on-frame midsize truck that’s sold in Europe, Asia, Australia and South America, but not the US. The vehicle never made it beyond the prototype stage, but it apparently still survives somewhere within Volkswagen’s internal collection, quietly reminding executiv...

Runaway truck reportedly triggered chain-reaction crash in Silver Spring, MD. Tesla Cybertruck was torn apart, separating the bed from the truck’s cab area. 10 people suffered minor injuries and were hospitalised, including three children. We’ve seen Tesla Cybertrucks in all kinds of trouble, from minor fender benders to getting beached or rolling over on trails. One even drove into an empty swimming pool . But a Cybertruck being split cleanly into two pieces after a multi-vehicle crash is probably the most visually extreme Cyber-related accident we’ve come across so far. The incident unfolded Saturday afternoon in Silver Spring, Maryland, where a moving truck reportedly lost control and plowed into a line of traffic. By the time emergency crews reached the scene, numerous vehicles had been damaged and one Cybertruck had been transformed into something that looked less like a pickup and more like a cutaway auto show display. Related: Fam...

Denza has begun testing the hardcore Z Special Edition at the Nürburgring. The high-performance EV will attempt to set a new record this fall. Upcoming model has a tri-motor powertrain with more than 1,973 hp. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed , BYD’s Denza introduced their new Z supercar. The company confirmed there will be Coupe, Spider and Racing variants as well as a Special Edition that will attempt to set a new Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record this fall. It seems like the company is getting in some early practice as a prototype was recently spied on and around the famous track. As you can see, the model appears to be based on the Z Racing, but is far more extreme. Baldauf As a refresher, that variant comes equipped with a carbon fiber front splitter, underfloor vortex generators, and an assortment of vents. The model can also be equipped with an optional carbon fiber rear wing and these features enable the co...

Tesla’s new balance bike for children costs $225 with orders opening July 31. Lightweight magnesium-frame bike targets kids between two and five years old. First orders are expected to begin shipping in late August. Tesla has expanded its ever-growing collection of lifestyle products with something aimed at its youngest fans. The automaker’s latest creation is a $225 balance bike for children, and it doesn’t go on sale until July 31. Judging by the company’s track record , it may not stay available long. It’s modern, angular, and surprisingly nice based on the feature set and materials. The balance bike is intended for children between two and five years old and features a lightweight magnesium frame finished with Tesla branding. The company says the design includes an adjustable seat with five height positions, allowing the bike to grow alongside its rider as they gain confidence before moving to a pedal bike . That seat is one of the coole...