Toyota’s maximum Tacoma, BMW’s 748-hp SUV, and more

748-hp XM Label Red is the most powerful BMW M model yet

Intake: Seven hundred and forty-eight horsepower. We’ve spelled that figure out to help you digest the insane output of BMW’s new, limited-edition XM Label Red. The model is an evolution of BMW’s XM SUV—the German company says the extra 95 hp and 148 lb-ft over the base XM “matches the drive concept of the new BMW M Hybrid V-8 endurance racing car.” That’s doing the powertrain a disservice, however, as the XM actually outguns that race car by almost 70 horses.

Most of the Label Red’s extra grunt comes from the 4.4-liter V-8, which gets a cross-bank exhaust manifold, a reinforced crankshaft driver, an upgraded oiling system, and an electronically controlled blow-off valve for the turbo. Five hundred and eighty-five horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque come from internal combustion, with an electric motor adding up to 197 hp and a maximum of 332 lb-ft of twist.

The Label Red reaches 62 mph from a standstill in 3.8 seconds and, with the optional M Driver’s Package, will top out at 175 mph. Only 500 of Label Red XMs will be built. Expect cost to be a premium over the regular XM‘s $159,000 sticker.

Exhaust: You don’t buy a BMW XM if you don’t want to be noticed. Drive this Label Red and you’ll certainly make a statement. Just don’t be too surprised if you pick up a few labels yourself. —Nik Berg

Tacoma Trailhunter goes all-in on overlanding

Intake: Toyota released teaser images of a new package for the 2024 Tacoma yesterday. The Tacoma Trailhunter, the company says, “will build upon Toyota’s legendary off-road and overlanding credibility with purpose-built engineering and robust components.” On the component side, we can see a trimmed rear bumper with hefty tow hooks from ARB, a well-known aftermarket outfitter in the overlanding space. The second teaser image offers a glimpse at the model’s new front end, which, as expected, pulls some styling cues from the Tundra full-size pickup.

Last November, Toyota revealed a Tundra Trailhunter concept, featuring a three-inch lift kit, a bed rack, extra lighting, and more. Expect the Tacoma Trailhunter to offer similar components, either as standard or optional.

Exhaust: The fact that ARB features so prominently in these images is telling. You can already spec plenty of ARB parts on the Tacoma configurator, but this looks like a one-stop-shop similar to the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison, which is upfitted by AEV, another popular aftermarket firm. Promising. —Nathan Petroelje

Red Bull F1 boss Horner denies sandbagging claims

Intake: Just over one week ago, Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell claimed team Red Bull was sandbagging to prevent any rule changes that would slow the sport’s most dominant outfit. “For sure they’re holding back,” Russell told BBC 5 Live after the race in Melbourne. “They’re almost embarrassed to show their full potential because the faster they seem globally, the more the sport is going to try and hold them back somehow.”

Red Bull F1 boss Christian Horner has finally responded to Russell’s allegations, denying the claim outright. “That’s very generous of him,” Horner said. “I mean, his team would know all too well about those kinds of advantages.” Shots fired and returned.

Exhaust: Three races in, and the prerace chat has shifted from “Who will win?” to “Can Red Bull win all 23 races?” Dominance is discouraged and parity is a delight in professional sports, with one rather large asterisk: Fans love to watch an athlete, or a team, attempt to go undefeated. The minute Verstappen and Checo fumble a grand prix this season, look for the FIA to levy rules that slow Red Bull down. Do you think the fastest team in F1 is filling their trousers with lead? Are you also wearing a tinfoil hat? Let us know in the comments. —Cameron Neveu