The Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt (ATCE) has begun work to bring the FIA Affordable Cross Car to Egypt, the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to adopt the project.

The Egyptian FIA Affordable Cross Car will be manufactured using locally sourced materials and offer accessible, entry-level motorsport to people across the country. The FIA Affordable Cross Car was launched by the FIA to expand the base of the road sport pyramid and offer an accessible route for new competitors to participate in events such as Rally or Rallycross.

Training has already begun in preparation for the introduction of an Egyptian National Cross Car Championship using cross cars manufactured elsewhere.

Ali Eissa, president of ATCE, said, “Thanks to the initiative of the FIA president and through his Development Fund, ATCE was able to introduce the FIA Affordable Cross Car project in Egypt, marking a major step forward in developing grassroots motorsport.”

He continued, “This initiative will expand the access to entry-level competition, strengthen the foundation of the motorsport pyramid, and create a clear pathway for new drivers, achieving a breakthrough in enhancing, promoting and improving motorsport in Egypt; not only that but it will make it possible for ATCE to avail of this low-cost racing car for the local market, the countries of the MENA region and eventually the whole African continent. We look forward to seeing it come to fruition in the coming months.”

In related news, FIA and Formula E debut Gen4 car with major gains in performance, speed and sustainability

The post FIA Affordable Cross Car project underway in Egypt appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

Volkswagen has confirmed plans to enter the 24h Nurburgring in 2027 with a dedicated racing version of the current Golf R in partnership with long-standing collaborator Max Kruse Racing. A show car previewing the project will be unveiled to the public on the Ring Boulevard at the Nurburgring.

The program marks the 25th anniversary of the Volkswagen R brand, and carries particular symbolic weight given the name itself is derived from ‘racing’, an activity VW has somewhat shied away from since it left the WRC in 2016. The Golf R 24H will be built around an all-wheel drive configuration engineered to handle the demands of the Nordschleife, though Volkswagen has stopped short of disclosing technical details at this stage.

It also signals a new chapter for Volkswagen at the race. The brand previously contested the event across three editions with the Golf GTI Clubsport, with Max Kruse Racing involved throughout. Team co-founder Benjamin Leuchter will lead the new program, combining his role as program manager with his existing responsibilities as a test and development driver for Volkswagen’s performance road car models.

“The 24h Nurburgring is the toughest test for us under real competitive conditions,” said Reinhold Ivenz, head of Volkswagen R. “The Nurburgring is also our test and development track, and we will meet people at the 24h race who share our passion for performance, which is why the project is a perfect match for Volkswagen R.”

Ivenz added that the show car makes the team’s 2027 vision tangible at an early stage, and promised “the most spectacular Golf R to date” when the full racing car is revealed.

Further technical details are expected as development progresses ahead of the race  entry.

Related news, McLaren unveils 2027 LMDh contender and limited edition track car

The post VW to bring Golf R to N24 in 2027 appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

McLaren has officially revealed the MCL-HY hypercar that will contest the World Endurance Championship and the Le Mans 24 Hours from 2027, alongside the track car variant MCL-HY GTR, which will be offered to VIP clients through its exclusive Project: Endurance program.

Built to the LMDh regulations, the MCL-HY features a Dallara chassis and is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 race engine, developed in conjunction with Autotecnica Motori and paired with the series’s spec MGU system, delivering up to 520kW (707ps) to the rear axle. Minimum weight is set at 1,030kg.

The car was presented in a 2026 test livery inspired by the McLaren M6A, nodding to the lineage that stretches from Can-Am dominance in the late 1960s through to outright Le Mans victory with the F1 GTR in 1995. On-track testing begins this month, with works driver Mikkel Jensen joined by DDP drivers Grégoire Saucy and Richard Verschoor, plus United Autosports development driver Ben Hanley.

According to the team, the program also marks a first-of-its-kind collaboration between McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive – the GTR track car derivative is powered by the same 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged engine but without the LMDh hybrid system, producing around 730ps at a lower dry weight. Deliveries are scheduled for late 2027.

Homologation of the MCL-HY is expected in winter 2026 ahead of the team’s WEC debut.

Related news, FIA and Formula E debut Gen4 car with major gains in performance, speed and sustainability

The post McLaren unveils 2027 LMDh contender and limited edition track car appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

McLaren Racing has revealed the name of the FIA Hypercar that will return the iconic motorsport team to endurance racing. The McLaren MCL-HY will compete for overall honors in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2027.

Alongside its WEC and Le Mans program, McLaren has announced a track car variant and supporting track day program that also provides exclusive access to the team’s return to sports car racing’s top class through the hyper-exclusive Project: Endurance.

The MCL-HY adopts McLaren Racing’s established Formula 1 naming convention, combining the MCL prefix with the Hypercar designation HY to reinforce the brand’s unified motorsport identity across the highest categories of motorsport.

“The MCL‑HY GTR proudly continues a lineage that began with the McLaren F1 GTR’s outright Le Mans victory in 1995 and then continued with the McLaren P1 GTR and McLaren Senna GTR track cars,” said Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, chief commercial officer at McLaren Automotive. “This badge stands for moments that define McLaren. With the MCL‑HY GTR, we are writing the next chapter for our most focused, authentic and uncompromising track cars.”

This announcement precedes the full reveal on May 4 of the 2027 race car and its track car counterpart. Both vehicles have been developed through close collaboration between McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive.

“Taking the McLaren name back to the pinnacle of sportscar racing is a huge milestone,” added James Barclay, executive director of McLaren Endurance Racing. “It’s a proud time for everyone within McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive to share the name of our new Hypercar that follows in the footsteps of an incredible lineage of McLaren racing cars. We are in a golden era of sportscar racing. The Hypercar category continues to be extremely successful, and our new car name shows respect for that. Our development MCL-HY will be revealed in its incredibly cool test livery ahead of our first rollout.”

In related news, McLaren Racing extends technology partnership with Dell Technologies

The post MCL-HY Hypercar marks McLaren’s return to FIA World Endurance Championship and Le Mans 2027 appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

The Gen4 Formula E car has run its debut in front of a select audience at Circuit Paul Ricard, signaling the beginning of a new era for electric motorsport.

Brought by Formula E and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the all-new next-generation machine will act as the foundation that will be further developed and then raced by the teams and manufacturers in the 2026/27 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Capable of reaching speeds in excess of 335kph, 0-100kph in approximately 1.8 seconds and 0-200kph in just 4.4 seconds – 1.5 seconds faster than its predecessor – GEN4 will deliver 50% more power in race mode than the current Gen3 Evo race car.

Formula E predicts the Gen4 car will be an average of 10 seconds faster per lap than the Gen3 in qualifying mode. In Attack Mode, Gen4 produces up to 600kW of power, a 71% increase in base output over the Gen3 Evo, delivering performance that pushes the limits of electric racing. Gen4 is the only single-seater race car with permanent all-wheel drive.

The on-track demonstration highlighted Gen4’s performance in real conditions, with overtaking laps against Gen1, Gen2 and Gen3 models showing a clear step forward in capability. Set to debut in the 2026/27 season, Gen4 is expected to deliver lap times at least five seconds faster on street circuits than the Gen3 Evo.

In addition to outright performance, sustainability remains a central pillar of innovation for Gen4, which will be the world’s first racing car that is 100% recyclable, with at least 20% recycled materials across key components. Its tires are made from 65% natural and recycled materials, including 30% certified natural rubber, and the battery contains no rare earth minerals. At a broader level, Formula E remains the first global sport certified to the BSI Net Zero Pathway Standard and the first motorsport series in the world to achieve B Corp Certification.

Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said, “Gen4 isn’t just a car, it’s a statement of intent. Seeing what it can do on track for the first time is a real milestone for Formula E – we are now delivering performance levels that were thought impossible for electric vehicles just five years ago. The step up in performance is immediately clear, from the speed and power to the way it delivers on track, and there was a genuine buzz among everyone who witnessed it. This is a hugely exciting moment for the championship as we head into the upcoming 2026/27 season, and a clear signal of where we are headed.”

Dodds continued, “This is just the beginning, as its refinement is now in the hands of our manufacturers – Porsche, Jaguar, Stellantis, Nissan, Lola Cars and Mahindra – to push development to even higher limits of performance ahead of its racing debut later this year. Gen4 isn’t just an evolution, it’s a step change in innovation and performance that will redefine motorsport for years to come.”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president, FIA added, “The new Gen4 Formula E car marks a significant step forward for electric racing, setting a new global benchmark for performance, innovation and sustainability.”

He continued, “collaboration has been central to the development of this car, and it will continue to be at the heart of a new era for the championship defined by greater performance, road relevance and excitement. We are redefining what is possible alongside some of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturers using the laboratory of motorsport.”

Gen4 will also introduce enhanced safety features, including a wider cockpit for increased hand clearance and power steering to help mitigate steering loads during impacts, while intensifying the driver challenge at the highest level of motorsport. It has also been designed with improved adjustability in the driving position, helping to level the playing field and re-engineering the sport for inclusivity at the top level.

Related news, FIA agrees refinements to 2026 Formula 1 regulations following early-season review

The post FIA and Formula E debut Gen4 car with major gains in performance, speed and sustainability appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

To mark its 25 year anniversary, the Ariel Motor Company has launched a 525bhp version of its Atom sports car. The track-oriented but roadgoing Ariel Atom 4RR will feature a bespoke Honda engine and will be “the most powerful and exclusive Atom ever created”, the UK manufacturer said.

The 4RR will feature a hand‑built, motorsport‑spec engine producing 525bhp and revving to 8,200rpm and will be the fastest Atom yet, capable of 0-62mph in 2.4 seconds and hitting 100mph in just 5.1 seconds.

The most powerful Atom

Despite its focus on ultimate circuit performance, the 4RR remains a road‑legal vehicle. Each 4RR will be uniquely specified and built to order with buyers invited to Ariel’s factory in Crewkerne in the southwest of the UK to specify and discuss their vehicle with the engineers and technicians responsible for constructing their car.

Simon Saunders, founder of Ariel Motor Company, said, “The Atom 4RR is the most focused vehicle we’ve ever built – a car that captures everything we’ve learned over 25 years of pure driver‑focused engineering. It is the fastest and most powerful Atom to date, yet it stays true to our founding principles of lightweight, minimalism and delivering very serious fun. It is the most direct connection between car, driver, and track or road, that we have ever made.”

Bespoke motorsport‑spec engine

At the heart of the Atom 4RR sits a bespoke 2.0L four-cylinder Honda K20C Type R that is hand-built in 100 hours. However, almost every significant internal and external component has been replaced, upgraded or re‑engineered to motorsport specification.

Henry Siebert-Saunders, managing director at Ariel Motor Company, said, “The 4RR’s engine is built by hand taking more than 100 hours with the objective of delivering intense performance right at the pinnacle of track driving while remaining controlled and confidence-inspiring on road.”

Internally, the engine is comprehensively uprated with closed deck sleeves, bespoke forged pistons and connecting rods, revised cylinder head and port geometry, bespoke camshafts and alloy valve set with uprated springs and guides. All rotating components are measured, fully weight‑matched and dynamically balanced.

With circuit running a primary focus, the 4RR engine features a race‑spec gated oiling system and a high‑flow oil pump, ensuring consistent lubrication under prolonged high engine loads and cornering. Performance and durability are further enhanced by a competition‑grade head gasket with reinforced fire‑ring sealing and a race-spec cylinder‑head stud kit designed to withstand extreme cylinder pressures.

A larger turbocharger peaks at 1.7 bar boost, while a high-pressure fuel system and 1,400cc fuel injectors deliver immense mid‑range torque and a ferocious top‑end – maintaining the consistency and resilience required for circuit use. The 4RR features three cockpit-adjustable engine maps with different boost levels: Map 1 – 400bhp/380Nm; Map 2 – 500bhp/450Nm;  Map 3 – 525bhp/550Nm. Each hand-built engine is run-in and tested on a dyno before final calibration and power tests. An individual dyno graph will accompany each bespoke Atom 4RR engine.

A new carbon air inlet system, with remote air filter assembly, and a new full titanium exhaust and silencer system will be fitted to the Atom 4RR, with power delivered through a Quaife six-speed sequential gearbox with lightweight drive discs, motorsport differential and pneumatic paddle shift, ensuring traction and consistency at all times. Clutchless up and down shifts can be made with auto-blip on downshifts and the lightweight clutch only used for initial start.

Motorsport‑optimized and aero‑led performance 

The 4RR features a fully bronze-welded motorsport chassis with adjustable Öhlins dampers, aluminum uprights and chromoly wishbones for precise handling. Braking comes from 310mm AP Racing discs with four-piston calipers and race-spec pads, paired with in-cockpit adjustable ABS for consistent, high-performance stopping under all conditions.

Ariel has designed the 4RR’s aerodynamic package to maximize downforce while minimizing drag, delivering exceptional cornering speed and high-speed stability. Redesigned carbon-fiber side pods improve cooling for the engine and gearbox, supporting higher power and extended track sessions. Lightweight carbon-fiber bodywork, mudguards and aerofoils further reduce overall weight.

The Atom 4RR rides on forged wheels – 7Jx16 at the front and 9Jx17 at the rear – fitted with road-legal Yokohama A052 tires in 195/50R16 and 255/40R17 sizes.

Siebert‑Saunders said, “The Atom 4RR is the most uncompromising car we’ve ever created. Every component, every weld, and every element of its engineering is focused on delivering ultimate track performance at the highest level. Its performance capability demands respect while rewarding drivers with an intensity and precision that few other cars can match.”

Related news, AVL and Ansible advance vehicle validation with integrated simulation and driver-in-the-loop testing

The post Ariel unveils hand-built, motorsport‑spec Atom 4RR appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

Historic racing may not be the most obvious place to roll out a host of sustainable technologies, but that is exactly what Lola has done with its new T70S.

Despite having a full FIA Historic Technical Passport, and being identical in construction to the Lola T70 Mk3B, the T70S boasts a carbon footprint nearly 50% lower than previous iterations of the 60’s sports racing car. Impressively, this has been achieved while staying within all the FIA’s requirements for historic racecars.

Two main areas have contributed to the significant reduction, a new 100% sustainable composite system for the bodywork and the implementation of a low-emissions process for the production of magnesium parts.

Starting with the composite system, known as the Lola Natural Composite System (LNCS), this uses flax fibres encased in basalt with a plant-based resin. By combining flax and basalt the mechanical properties of the fibres are improved beyond current flax-only systems, with a significantly lower CO2 footprint than either carbon composites or the glass fibre used for the original T70 body panels. Furthermore, Lola has also improved the sustainability credentials of the tooling patterns for the bodywork by using bio-based materials.

Looking to the metallic elements of the car, magnesium was identified as an area where considerable savings could be made compared to the commonly sued, high-energy intensity Pigeon process for smelting aluminium. Working with supply chain partners, Lola has developed a process for magnesium production using the byproduct salts of Bromine production from saltwater, via electrolysis powered by solar energy. This sees the kgCO2e for the magnesium parts of the car reduced from nearly 5000kg to just 975kg.

Look out for a full, in-depth feature on the T70S in the upcoming issue of PMW magazine, and a sneak preview of the road going version, the T70 S GT.

Related news, Mercedes-AMG leverages Track Sport Concept for next-gen GT3 and Black Series

The post Lola previews sustainable innovations with T70S appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

In 2025, Mercedes-AMG teased the Concept AMG GT Track Sport. AMG has now revealed that the concept car is the technology platform for two new performance models: the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the future Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.

“We are developing the most extreme Black Series ever,” said Michael Schiebe, a member of the board of management for production, quality and supply chain management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-AMG. “At the same time, we want to set the next record-breaker in motorsport with the future GT3. The foundation for this is the Concept AMG GT Track Sport – a technology demonstrator that was more than just a concept from the very start. It is our unambiguous commitment to maximum performance, a promise for the racetrack and the road alike. At AMG, we develop vehicles to exceed expectations. And that is exactly what the future Black Series and the new GT3 will do.”

Uncompromising performance

The road-legal variant of the concept car serves as a homologation model for the GT3 successor.

Since October 2025, the prototype has been undergoing extensive dynamic testing on test tracks and racetracks. In addition to the in-house development track in Immendingen, this has included Bilster Berg, Portimão and Monteblanco. With the start of testing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the next stage of development is now underway.

The next generation in customer racing

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is the latest step in Mercedes-AMG’s customer racing program, which began in 2010 and first competed in 2011 with the SLS AMG GT3. The current GT3 model, introduced in 2016 and updated in 2020, has continued that program.

A successor is now in development, led by Affalterbach Racing, a subsidiary of Mercedes-AMG, in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. The new GT3 is undergoing testing, with a focus on performance, safety and competitiveness.

“With the unveiling of the concept, we can now officially name the new Mercedes-AMG GT3, with which we aim to continue the success story in customer racing for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport,” said Christoph Sagemüller, head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. “Our goal is to once again present a vehicle that sets the benchmark. We have already gained important insights from the initial tests. We are now entering the next phase of development and will also be testing on racetracks relevant to GT Sport.”

From track to road

The Mercedes-AMG’s Black Series models – a designation introduced in 2006 – represent the highest-performance variants in the company’s range. The concept builds on AMG’s origins in motorsport. The company was founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, with a focus on applying racing-derived technology to road cars.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG played a key role in this development. Its use as an FIA Formula 1 safety car and its adaptation for a racing series helped shape the track-focused approach that led to the first SLK 55 AMG Black Series.

This motorsport-to-road philosophy continues with newer concepts such as the AMG GT Track Sport, and underpins the development of future models, including the next AMG GT3 and AMG GT Black Series.

In related news, behind the scenes: the in-house development of the Temerario GT3

The post Mercedes-AMG leverages Track Sport Concept for next-gen GT3 and Black Series appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

Lamborghini has released a behind-the-scenes video detailing the development of the Temerario GT3, its first competition car to be designed, developed and built entirely in-house. Set to debut at the 2026 12 Hours of Sebring, the car builds on the extensive experience gained in the Huracán GT3 program.

Unlike Lamborghini’s early racing projects, which relied on external technical partners, the Temerario GT3 was conceived alongside the roadgoing Temerario, sharing core architecture but excluding the hybrid system. This parallel development enabled engineers to integrate road car R&D with motorsport-specific engineering from day one.

“With Temerario GT3, we have reached full technical maturity in motorsport,” said chief technical officer Rouven Mohr. “For the first time, the car was designed, developed and engineered entirely in-house from day one. The integration between road car R&D and racing engineering allowed us to create a highly sophisticated and efficient platform that represents the third generation of Lamborghini GT3 cars.”

The engineers behind the road car’s twin-turbo V8 engine were involved in calibrating the race version, which delivers strong torque with high drivability.

“Temerario GT3 was conceived with motorsport in mind from the earliest stages,” said Gianluca Silvestrini, Temerario GT3 project manager. “The chassis architecture, the packaging of the powertrain and the serviceability solutions were engineered specifically to meet the demands of endurance racing and customer teams. Our objective was not only pure performance, but also operational efficiency and ease of intervention during race weekends.”

Testing began in the summer of 2025, and the car immediately demonstrated strong fundamentals. Over 15,000km were completed across multiple circuits without significant reliability concerns, reinforcing confidence ahead of its competitive debut this year.

“With the Huracán we built experience and technical confidence,” explained Marco Mapelli, Lamborghini factory driver and test driver since 2017. “When a race car has a solid base, you feel it straight away. From the first tests, the Temerario GT3 showed strong reliability and very clear sensitivity to setup changes. One of our key targets was drivability. The Huracán was extremely competitive but not always easy at the limit. With the Temerario, we focused on making the car more accessible, especially for gentleman drivers, while keeping performance at the highest level. The new twin-turbo V8 delivers strong torque and offers very interesting characteristics, even if we say goodbye to the iconic sound of the naturally aspirated V10.”

Lamborghini has also established a dedicated assembly area at Sant’Agata Bolognese for its race cars, separate from road production. Five modular assembly bays can be configured for GT3 or Super Trofeo vehicles, ensuring full control over quality standards. Only the initial V8 engine assembly is shared with the road car production line before race-specific modifications are applied.

Customer integration has been central to the project. Early teams have participated in alignment sessions at circuits such as Misano, enabling engineers, mechanics and drivers to familiarize themselves with the car’s systems and operational philosophy before competition.

Related news, WRC set for UK return with Rally Scotland

The post Behind the scenes: the in-house development of the Temerario GT3 appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

The T.50s Niki Lauda track supercar has been approved for production after surpassing the Gordon Murray Automotive GT3 race car benchmark at the Bahrain International Circuit in its final production approval test. Four-time IndyCar World Champion and triple Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti recorded a 1:53.03 lap, more than seven seconds faster than the GT3 benchmark set in 2001. All 25 customer cars will be completed by mid‑2026.

“The T.50s is the most engaging car I’ve ever drive,” said Franchitti. “For pure fun factor, it surpasses all other track-only models, my favourite supercars of all time, and even the race cars I drove to multiple world championship wins. Gordon set out to create the greatest on-track driving experience ever. The team has more than delivered. The feedback, responsiveness, performance, sound, visibility, braking, stability … everything … it’s just perfect.”

The Bahrain circuit was chosen for its extreme thermal and mechanical stresses, enabling engineers to evaluate braking performance, tire wear, low-grip handling and high-speed stability. During testing, the T.50s reached 184 mph, experienced 2.7g lateral acceleration in corners and endured 3g longitudinal forces under braking. The lap demonstrated the production-readiness of the car and confirmed that aerodynamic and chassis setups met GMA’s specifications.

Professor Gordon Murray, CBE, executive chairman, Gordon Murray Group, said, “This car was never about setting lap times. We simply designed the lightest, optimally powered, most driver-centric track car possible – with the right formula, speed comes naturally. T.50s is designed from the ground up to deliver the greatest possible on‑track driving experience, without compromise.”

Each T.50s is named in tribute to one of Murray’s first 25 Grand Prix victories, with the Niki Lauda model honoring the three-time Formula 1 World Champion. The car is powered by a bespoke 3.9-liter Cosworth GMA V12 producing 772ps at 11,500rpm, with revs up to 12,100rpm. A six-speed paddle-shift Xtrac gearbox, central driving position and fully adjustable aerodynamic package generating up to 1,200kg of downforce combine with a carbon-fiber monocoque and unique race-optimized systems to deliver an immersive track-focused experience.

“Naming the car after Niki was deeply personal. He was a great friend and a remarkable racing driver, and I believe he would have appreciated the purity, focus and engineering integrity that define the car we named in his honour,” said Professor Murray.

Related news, Zenvo appoints Mark Harrison as chief commercial officer

The post T.50s Niki Lauda supercar cleared for production after GT3 benchmark-beating Bahrain test appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.