Electric Cars

A contemporary interpretation of the iconic Mercedes-AMG "Red Pig" sedan has been unveiled by former Mercedes design executive Gorden Wagener. This legendary V8-powered racing machine, renowned for its remarkable second-place achievement at the 1971 Spa 24 Hours, has been reimagined with modern design elements, featuring updated lighting and wheel aesthetics. While this tribute exists purely as a virtual concept and is not available for purchase, it serves as a powerful homage to AMG's illustrious racing history and Mercedes' commitment to design innovation, underscoring the enduring appeal of this high-performance automobile.

Mercedes-Benz gained a controlling interest in AMG in 1999, eventually integrating it as a wholly-owned subsidiary six years later. However, the origins of AMG stretch back to 1967, when founders Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher established their venture near Stuttgart. These two engineers, previously involved in developing racing engines for the 300 SE, departed Mercedes to launch their independent firm. The full name of their company, a mouthful, was Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach Ingenieurbüro, Konstruktion und Versuch zur Entwicklung von Rennmotoren, which translates to Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach engineering firm for the design and testing of racing engines.

The roots of AMG's success are deeply embedded in motorsports. A pivotal moment occurred just four years after its inception, when an AMG Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8 not only secured victory in its class but also achieved an impressive second place overall at the 1971 Spa 24 Hours. More than five decades later, this formidable sedan, affectionately known as the "Red Pig," has made a virtual reappearance. Gorden Wagener, who recently concluded his 29-year tenure at Mercedes, has brought to light a secretly modernized rendition of this V8-powered legend. His reimagining of the "Red Pig" is showcased through a series of images shared on Instagram.

Wagener's design philosophy for the modern "Red Pig" incorporates contemporary elements while retaining the essence of the original. Notably, he integrated the signature three-pointed stars into the headlights, a design cue consistent with recent Mercedes models. The auxiliary lights of the original race car have been replaced with sleek LED rings, and the five-spoke wheels are a respectful nod to the classic design. It's important to recall that the original "Red Pig" no longer exists. Constructed from a damaged W109 S-Class, the 422-horsepower race car, with its formidable 6.8-liter engine, was later acquired by Matra, a now-defunct French industrial conglomerate, which repurposed it for testing aircraft landing gear. This second life ultimately led to its destruction.

The original car's suitability for this role stemmed from its status as the fastest German production car of its era and one of the world's quickest four-door vehicles. Recognizing its historical significance, Mercedes painstakingly reconstructed a faithful replica in the mid-2000s, utilizing the original blueprints. Decades later, Wagener has resurrected the spirit of the "Red Pig" within his "Iconic Design" book, which also features a collection of his previously unreleased works. His reinterpretation is a testament to the enduring influence of this automotive icon and its foundational role in AMG's storied legacy.

Gorden Wagener's courageous endeavor to modernize the car that laid the groundwork for AMG speaks volumes about his artistic vision. This undertaking reimagines an iconic vehicle for the 21st century, a feat that will resonate with AMG enthusiasts who appreciate such speculative design exercises. While a production version of this modernized "Red Pig" remains a fantasy, the concept art allows us to contemplate its potential evolution over half a century after its historic performance at Spa-Francorchamps. Wagener's profound impact on Mercedes' design over the past two decades is undeniable, and his decision to revisit one of AMG's earliest masterpieces is a fitting tribute. Furthermore, the anticipation of a return to the imposing grille, as hinted by last year's Vision Iconic concept, suggests a future design language that skillfully blends heritage with innovation.

Experience Refined Efficiency: The 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ Luxury Redefines Hybrid Driving

Deciphering the Plug-in Hybrid's Value Proposition

The Lexus RX series has consistently been a top-seller for the brand, now offering gasoline, traditional hybrid (HEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. A substantial price gap of nearly $20,000 separates the HEV and PHEV models, raising questions about the justification for the additional cost for electric-only driving. Despite its estimated 37-mile electric range, which is beneficial for daily commuting, the RX 450h+ faces a challenging market, as indicated by the RX hybrid's ten-fold higher sales volume. Furthermore, the 450h+'s powertrain, shared with the Lexus NX PHEV and the former Toyota RAV4 Prime—both offering greater electric range—makes its premium price tag even more puzzling. My test model, priced at $71,860 before options, included a host of luxury features such as all-wheel drive, 21-inch alloy wheels, advanced LED lighting, premium leather seating with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, multi-zone climate control, a 14-inch touchscreen, head-up display, and wireless Apple CarPlay. With optional enhancements like a Panoramic View Monitor, Mark Levinson audio, and advanced parking assistance, the total came to $76,145.

Elegant Design: A Fusion of Muscularity and Grace

Now in its fifth generation, the RX has undergone a complete transformation for the 2023 model year, achieving its most refined design to date. Its silhouette is both robust and graceful, showcasing a harmonious blend of intricate details and cohesive styling. The front grille is seamlessly integrated, featuring floating diamond patterns connected by subtle black elements. Arrow-shaped daytime running lights are integrated into the headlamp clusters, enhancing its distinctive look.

The vehicle's sides feature deeply sculpted doors and pronounced fender creases, while the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels perfectly complement its stance. A standout design feature is the "floating roof" effect, achieved by a long, elegant line extending from the A-pillar to the D-pillar. The rear styling continues this elegance with full-width wraparound taillights that resemble wings, and a minimalist liftgate that echoes the converging lines of the front fascia.

An Exquisite Cabin: A Sanctuary of Luxury

The interior of the RX 450h+ Luxury is a testament to top-tier craftsmanship. Every surface exudes quality, from the Semi-aniline leather with suede trim, especially striking in the Macadamia color, to the meticulously crafted suede door panels and matching fabric speaker covers. The cabin's color scheme harmonizes beautifully with the matte Ash Bamboo accents found on the dashboard, center console, and steering wheel.

The RX 450h+ Luxury boasts Lexus's finest cabin, offering a blend of clean lines, premium materials, and artfully integrated screens. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, providing an ideal balance of cushioning, support, and adjustability, ensuring comfort even on long journeys. Rear passengers also benefit from generous legroom and headroom. Although the battery placement slightly reduces cargo capacity compared to non-plug-in RX models, the storage area remains ample for daily use and weekend excursions. Noise insulation is superb, making the cabin remarkably quiet in electric mode and maintaining minimal engine noise when the gasoline engine is active.

Driving Dynamics: Smooth Refinement Over Raw Power

Behind the wheel, the RX 450h+ delivers a quintessential Lexus driving experience: swift yet not overtly sporty, and smooth without being excessively powerful. It combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors, powered by an 18.1-kWh battery pack. All-wheel drive is standard, with the rear wheels driven solely by electric power. The combined output of 304 horsepower is more than sufficient for a vehicle focused on daily practicality rather than extreme speed. While this surpasses the RX 350 Hybrid's 246 horsepower, it falls short of the RX 500h's 366 horsepower.

Acceleration is fluid but lacks the assertiveness of a high-performance vehicle, with 0-60 mph achieved in just under six seconds. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritizes efficiency and smoothness, resulting in a relaxed and linear power delivery, though some drivers might miss the crisp gear changes of traditional transmissions. While there is noticeable body roll, the RX 450h+ maintains its composure, reinforcing its identity as a comfortable highway cruiser rather than a corner-carver.

Electric Range and Charging Efficiency for Everyday Use

A significant advantage of the RX 450h+ is its electric-only driving capability, offering an estimated 37 miles of range. This is particularly beneficial for daily commutes, allowing drivers to potentially avoid gas stations for days or even weeks with nightly charging. For longer trips, the system seamlessly transitions to standard hybrid mode, utilizing regenerative braking to maintain efficiency and eliminate range anxiety.

The 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ is equipped with a 6.6 kW onboard charger. This allows for a full battery charge in approximately 2.5 hours when connected to a 240V Level 2 charger. Alternatively, it can be charged using a standard 120V household outlet, taking around 7.5 hours. This flexibility means that even without a dedicated Level 2 charger, owners can still benefit from the plug-in hybrid's electric capabilities, though a faster charge may be desirable for busy schedules involving multiple short trips.

Advanced Technology and Intuitive Infotainment

The RX 450h+ features a large central touchscreen, the Lexus Interface 14-inch high-resolution color screen, serving as the command center for infotainment and vehicle controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay integration is quick and seamless, and the system is highly responsive and intuitive, even without phone mirroring. Physical controls include two prominent climate control knobs with integrated temperature displays and an audio knob, though some functions like seat heating/ventilation and drive modes are exclusively accessed via the touchscreen.

Lexus's D-pad style steering wheel controls for audio and cruise control require some adaptation but become intuitive over time. These controls display pop-up screens on both the head-up display and the instrument cluster, allowing drivers to activate functions by placing a finger on the desired section and pressing. While this design minimizes distraction, it still requires a brief glance away from the road during the learning phase.

The RX 450h+ is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. These include Automated Emergency Braking, Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane-Keeping Assistance, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Assist, Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Brake, and Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection. Optional features like Advanced Park with Remote Park further enhance safety and convenience. This robust set of features contributes to the vehicle's strong IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.

The Final Word: A Luxurious Hybrid with a Questionable Price Tag

The 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ stands out as a meticulously crafted plug-in hybrid, excelling in comfort, refinement, and aesthetic appeal. It embodies the proven Lexus philosophy, offering a practical electric range, superior ride quality, and a premium interior that aligns with its high-end positioning. However, the substantial price increase for its all-electric capabilities means that it would take an extended period of ownership to recoup the cost through fuel savings alone. For those prioritizing luxury and efficiency without the significant premium, the Luxury trim of the standard RX 350 Hybrid might represent a more financially sensible option.