McLaren has introduced a specialized variant of its 750S supercar, destined solely for the Japanese market. This exclusive model, known as the 750S JC96, pays homage to McLaren's rich motorsport heritage in Japan, specifically celebrating the McLaren F1 GTR's triumph in the 1996 All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC). With only 61 units slated for production, mirroring the iconic race number of the championship-winning F1 GTR, this edition blends the 750S's already formidable performance with distinctive design elements and enhanced aerodynamics. Both coupe and Spider configurations will be available, offering discerning collectors a unique piece of automotive history.
The McLaren 750S, widely regarded as the pinnacle of the brand's current series production, stands out for its lightweight construction and potent powertrain. Built around a carbon fiber Monocage II chassis, it boasts exceptional agility and a sophisticated suspension system designed for both track prowess and everyday usability. Its aerodynamic profile and driver-centric cockpit, coupled with a mid-mounted twin-turbo V8 engine, firmly establish the 750S as a benchmark in the high-performance supercar segment. The JC96 edition elevates this foundation with bespoke features, emphasizing its exclusivity and historical connection.
Distinguishing itself from the standard 750S, the JC96 variant showcases several unique attributes. Externally, it features newly designed Delta 15-spoke ultra-lightweight forged wheels and incorporates the MSO High Downforce Kit (HDK). This kit includes a redesigned front bumper with an enlarged splitter, an elevated active rear spoiler equipped with endplates, and a louvered under-wing panel. These aerodynamic enhancements collectively boost downforce by up to 10 percent, optimizing the car's grip and stability at high speeds. The exhaust system exits centrally and is finished in natural titanium, while the brake calipers are presented in F1 Gold, accented with striking red McLaren logos.
The aesthetic appeal of the JC96 is further enhanced by its paintwork, which draws inspiration from the distinctive Tiger Stripe Rocket Pink and Tarmac Grey livery of the original F1 GTRs that competed in the JGTC. Buyers have the option to personalize their vehicle with paint details in Memphis Red, Titanium Silver, Ice White, or Graphite Grey, or they can opt for a completely bespoke finish through McLaren Special Operations (MSO). A highly limited number of just four cars will receive an elaborate, hand-painted JC96 Tribute Livery across the entire body, making them exceptionally rare collectors' items.
Inside the Alcantara-trimmed cabin, the theme of exclusivity continues with a choice of three distinct color schemes. Subtle branding is intricately stitched into the headrests and armrests, adding a touch of bespoke luxury. Gold-finished pedals, switchgear, and a dedication plaque underscore the car's motorsport lineage, while brushed dark titanium brightwork frames the main driver interfaces. Additional customization options are available through MSO, including carbon fiber accents, painted keys, and unique Tiger Stripe interior motifs, allowing owners to further tailor their JC96 to their preferences.
Underneath its specially crafted exterior, the JC96 maintains the mechanical heart of the 750S: a powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that generates 740 horsepower. This formidable power is channeled through a lightweight carbon fiber structure, complemented by McLaren's Proactive Chassis Control III suspension. This advanced setup ensures that the JC96 delivers the renowned balance and precision expected from a McLaren supercar, offering an unparalleled driving experience. While pricing details have not been released, the bespoke features, meticulous hand-finishing, and the extremely limited production run of 61 units guarantee that the JC96 will command a premium well above that of the standard 750S, solidifying its status as a highly sought-after collectible in the automotive world.
In a recent digital security incident, automotive giant Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has disclosed that a cyberattack severely impacted its internal systems, potentially compromising sensitive customer information. The company initiated an immediate investigation and suspended some operations to manage the breach. This event underscores the critical importance of data protection in an increasingly connected automotive world, where modern vehicles accumulate a significant volume of personal data from their users.
Jaguar Land Rover Confirms Potential Data Exposure Following Cyber Incident
Last week, Jaguar Land Rover faced a substantial cyberattack that led to a temporary halt in its global operations. Following an intensive forensic investigation, the luxury car manufacturer announced on September 10, 2025, that it now believes certain customer data may have been accessed without authorization. While the specific types of compromised data were not detailed, JLR has affirmed its commitment to informing relevant regulatory bodies and directly contacting any customers whose personal information is found to be affected. The company reassured the public that dealership operations, including sales and service, were not impacted by this digital intrusion. JLR has been working tirelessly with external cybersecurity experts to restore its systems securely.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for consumers regarding the vast amounts of personal data collected and stored by contemporary vehicles. With advanced connectivity features, cars today can record everything from navigation patterns to payment details for services like electric vehicle charging. Automakers frequently collect this data, sometimes sharing it with third parties for targeted advertising, often without explicit disclosure to the vehicle owners. As the investigation into the JLR cyberattack continues, it is expected that further details will emerge, reinforcing the need for greater transparency and stronger security measures in the automotive industry to safeguard consumer privacy.
Celebrating two decades of its distinctive unibody construction, the Honda Ridgeline continues to carve its unique path in the competitive mid-size truck segment. From its debut in 2005, the Ridgeline has differentiated itself with a car-like ride and innovative features such as the Dual-Action Tailgate and the secure In-Bed Trunk, appealing to those seeking practicality and versatility beyond traditional body-on-frame trucks. For the 2026 model year, the Ridgeline receives subtle enhancements and a notable price adjustment, maintaining its familiar trim levels: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition. The entry-level Sport model now begins at $40,595, reflecting an increase from the previous year’s pricing, a trend observed across the entire lineup.
The latest iteration of the Ridgeline, the 2026 model, primarily introduces aesthetic refinements and packaging adjustments rather than significant mechanical overhauls. Enthusiasts of the TrailSport trim will appreciate the new Ash Green Metallic paint option, a color previously introduced on other Honda models like the Passport TrailSport and CR-V Hybrid. Additionally, the upscale Black Edition now offers an optional contrasting black roof, available when paired with select exterior colors such as Sonic Gray Pearl or Platinum White Pearl. Under the hood, the robust 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system remains standard across all trims, delivering consistent performance and maintaining its EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. Pricing for the 2026 Ridgeline spans from the Sport's starting price to $47,195 for the Black Edition, with an additional destination charge of $1,495. Production continues at Honda's facility in Lincoln, Alabama, solidifying the Ridgeline's role in the brand's American manufacturing footprint.
Given the moderate updates and increased pricing for the 2026 Ridgeline, potential buyers might find compelling reasons to explore the remaining 2025 inventory. Market analysis indicates that new 2025 Ridgeline models are currently available with substantial discounts, effectively mitigating the price difference compared to their 2026 counterparts. Since the core mechanical components are unchanged and the enhancements for the 2026 model year are largely cosmetic, the 2025 version could represent a more financially advantageous acquisition. The decision ultimately rests on whether the refreshed color palette or the option of a black roof justifies the additional expenditure for the newer model.
As Honda marks two decades of innovation with the Ridgeline, the choice between model years highlights a broader lesson in discerning true value amidst evolving market dynamics. It encourages consumers to thoughtfully evaluate updates against cost, recognizing that sometimes, the most intelligent decision lies not in pursuing the newest iteration, but in appreciating the enduring quality and available savings of a slightly older, yet equally capable, option. This approach underscores the principle of making informed choices that align with one's needs and financial prudence, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction and a more rewarding ownership experience.