Cars

Bertone's Revival: A Modern V6 Sports Car with Retro Flair

Bertone's latest creation, the modernized Runabout, transitions from concept to production, offering enthusiasts a contemporary sports car infused with vintage aesthetics. This limited-edition vehicle, available in both roofless barchetta and targa configurations, honors the legacy of Marcello Gandini's 1969 Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept. The car features a bespoke chassis from Lotus, incorporates carbon-fiber elements for a lightweight structure, and is powered by a robust supercharged Toyota V6 engine, promising an exhilarating driving experience while maintaining a distinct visual connection to its iconic heritage.

This new interpretation from Bertone marks its second foray into modern vehicle production, following the GB110. Its design and engineering choices highlight a commitment to performance and a unique aesthetic, making it a noteworthy entry in the high-performance sports car market. Despite a premium price point, the exclusivity and meticulous craftsmanship of the Runabout are expected to attract a discerning clientele, securing its place as a collector's item and a testament to automotive artistry.

A Nod to the Past: Design and Engineering

Bertone's updated Runabout, now ready for market, skillfully combines historical design with modern engineering. It's offered in two distinct body types: a pure, open-top barchetta and a targa variant with a removable roof and a complete windshield. This vehicle is a clear tribute to the visionary 1969 Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept by Marcello Gandini, moving away from its original Fiat underpinnings. Instead, it utilizes a specially adapted, extruded and bonded aluminum platform sourced from Lotus, significantly enhanced by Bertone. The construction also integrates lightweight carbon-fiber body panels, resulting in a remarkably low curb weight of approximately 2,330 pounds (1,057 kilograms), comparable to that of a Mazda Miata, yet positioned much closer to the ground for a more aggressive stance.

The car’s dimensions, roughly 157 inches (3990 millimeters) in length, position it similarly to popular compact sports cars, but its dramatically low profile, at just 43.9 inches (1116 millimeters) tall, sets it apart. The rear is notably wider than the front by 3.5 inches (91 millimeters), contributing to its distinctive appearance. Performance is further enhanced by forged aluminum wheels in a staggered setup: 18 inches at the front with 225/40 ZR18 tires, and larger 19-inch wheels at the rear fitted with 295/30 ZR19 rubber, ensuring optimal grip and handling. This meticulous attention to design and structural detail underscores Bertone’s dedication to a true sports car experience that respects its lineage.

Heart of the Beast: Performance and Exclusivity

At the core of the new Bertone Runabout lies a formidable powertrain, echoing a tradition seen in some Lotus models. It is equipped with a 3.5-liter Toyota V6 engine, strategically positioned behind the seats. Unlike its naturally aspirated counterparts, this V6 unit is supercharged, pushing its output to an impressive 475 horsepower and 361 pound-feet (490 Nm) of torque. This powerful engine is paired with a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox, featuring an engaging gated shifter, a detail that car enthusiasts often covet for its tactile and precise feel. This robust mechanical combination allows the Runabout to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a swift 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h), placing it firmly in the realm of high-performance sports cars.

Beyond its straight-line speed, the Runabout boasts advanced handling capabilities, supported by a double-wishbone suspension system that includes adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars. This setup ensures superior road holding and a dynamic driving experience, characteristic of a true performance vehicle. The design of the car remains a faithful homage to its ancestors, particularly the Fiat X1/9 and the original A112 Runabout concept, preserving Marcello Gandini’s signature wedge shape. Even the targa model’s carbon roof is meticulously crafted to maintain this iconic silhouette. Bertone plans to produce only 25 units of this exclusive model, each priced at approximately €390,000 (around $462,000 before taxes), signifying its status as a collector’s item. This limited production and high price point highlight Bertone’s focus on exclusivity and craftsmanship, appealing to a niche market of collectors and enthusiasts who value unique automotive heritage and cutting-edge performance.

Toyota RAV4 GR Sport Outperforms Rivals in Speed Tests

The automotive landscape is experiencing a subtle yet significant shift, with Toyota's performance lineup in North America seeing a new leader. With the GR Supra transitioning out, the RAV4 GR Sport quietly assumes the mantle as the most powerful GR-badged Toyota available. While the GR Corolla remains the top choice for track-focused driving, the RAV4 now boasts superior output, at least until the highly anticipated GR GT makes its debut. This enhanced performance is attributed to a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, collectively generating an impressive 320 horsepower. The immediate electric torque upon acceleration is a standout feature, offering a distinct advantage.

A critical question arises: how does this new power leader compare to established benchmarks in the performance segment, such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI or the latest Tiguan Turbo R-Line? The Golf GTI, known for its agile handling and classic hot hatch feel, features a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a curb weight just over 3,100 pounds. The 2026 Tiguan Turbo R-Line, while heavier at approximately 4,000 pounds, offers 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft from a similar 2.0-liter turbo, aiming for a warm crossover experience rather than a pure hot SUV. The RAV4 GR Sport, despite being the heaviest among them at 4,430 pounds, leverages its hybrid system to deliver substantial torque, distributed across its axles for effective power delivery.

In head-to-head straight-line competitions, the RAV4 GR Sport demonstrated a clear advantage. Its electric motors provided immediate torque, allowing it to quickly pull ahead of both Volkswagen models and maintain its lead through the quarter mile. Despite their lighter weights and turbo engines, the Golf GTI and Tiguan struggled to catch up, highlighting the RAV4's surprising straight-line speed. While factors like driver skill and traction also play a role, the RAV4 GR Sport undeniably showcased superior acceleration. This performance underscores that its sporty appearance is matched by genuine speed, serving as a reminder that this GR-badged SUV is a formidable contender, especially off the line.

The Toyota RAV4 GR Sport exemplifies how modern engineering can redefine performance expectations in unexpected segments. It's a testament to innovation, proving that power, efficiency, and dynamic capability can harmoniously coexist within a versatile SUV platform, setting a new standard for what drivers can expect from a performance-oriented vehicle.

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Amazon Offers 152-Piece Tool Set at Significant Discount

A well-equipped toolkit is an invaluable asset for any household, providing the means to tackle unforeseen repairs and maintenance tasks with ease. This necessity becomes remarkably affordable with Amazon's latest offering: a 152-piece tool set now available at a substantial discount. This collection of essential implements is crafted to address a wide array of practical needs, from minor domestic adjustments to more involved automotive requirements, all conveniently housed in a durable, organized case.

Amazon's Limited-Time Offer on the Cartman 152-Piece Tool Set

As of January 25, 2026, at 8:30 AM EST, Amazon has initiated a special promotional event, presenting the Cartman 152-Piece Tool Set for an enticing price of just $29. This offer is further sweetened by an additional 5% digital coupon that can be applied at checkout. This combination brings the total savings to approximately 30% off the original price of $41, making it an exceptionally cost-effective acquisition for consumers. The comprehensive set includes a variety of critical instruments such as screwdrivers, sockets, wrenches, pliers, a hammer, measuring devices, and numerous bits for diverse applications. Each component is engineered with heat-treated materials to enhance its longevity and resistance against corrosion, ensuring dependable performance over time. The entire assortment is meticulously arranged within a portable carrying case, featuring custom-molded slots for each tool, which not only facilitates easy identification and access but also simplifies transportation. This makes the kit perfect for quick fixes around the home, on the road, or for lending a hand to others.

The current availability of this highly practical and affordable tool set on Amazon provides a prime opportunity for individuals to equip themselves for any unexpected repair. Whether it's to tighten a loose screw, assemble new furniture, perform routine vehicle checks, or manage various general DIY tasks, this toolkit is an indispensable companion. Its robust construction and thoughtful organization have garnered praise from users, highlighting its quality and utility for everyday situations. Don't miss out on this temporary markdown to secure a reliable set of tools that promises to save both time and effort.

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