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Apr 25, 2024
The G80 EV Magma Is the Hottest Concept From Genesis Yet

The Genesis performance sub-brand Magma is back with a new car. But unlike previous concepts, this one isn’t orange. The G80 EV Magma Concept sports a color called Acme Blue. Chosen not because of its electric powertrain, but because blue is the hottest part of a flame, according to Genesis.

Does this mean the G80 EV Magma Concept is the fastest car from the brand yet? There’s no way to tell right now. Debuting at Auto China in Beijing, Genesis talks about suspension upgrades, bigger brakes, and aesthetic changes to give the concept a meaner stance. But the company’s remained mum on powertrain specs so far.

The production-spec Electrified G80 gets a dual-motor arrangement generating a modest 365 horsepower. While it’s unclear whether the Magma Concept uses a version of this powertrain or something totally different, we’re confident there’s more power on tap.

Instead of harping on output, Genesis focuses on the concept’s wider fenders, new rear fascia with an integrated diffuser, and a small ducktail spoiler on the trunk lid. There’s also a new fascia at the front with larger air intakes, and blacked-out trim. The G80 EV Magma Concept rides on an “advanced suspension system” that lowers the car, but specific changes aren’t outlined. Larger brakes are mounted behind custom 21-inch wheels that look identical to those on the GV60 Magma Concept, albeit with blue highlights. Interior upgrades include Alcantara and quilted leather with carbon fiber trim.

This isn’t the first performance-focused G80 we’ve seen. Earlier this year, Genesis announced a limited-run model for the Middle East market called the Magma Special. That one isn’t electric, with rumors suggesting it could have a 500-horsepower version of the sedan’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6. It’s also not the first electric Magma we’ve seen—that honor goes to the aforementioned GV60 that debuted at the end of March at the New York Auto Show.

The latest debut expands the Magma family, though at this time it’s unknown if this concept will see production.

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Apr 25, 2024
We Found 10 More Abandoned Race Tracks on Google Earth

Back in February, we asked for your help to find more race tracks lost to time. And boy did you answer—our email inboxes flooded with tips in the days that followed. Now, we have 10 more tracks to share, each with an interesting story.

Our latest finds cover sprawling road courses, small-town Saturday night circle tracks, and even a gigantic superspeedway that Google satellites caught before and during its destruction. It’s one of the coolest (and perhaps saddest) Google Earth race track images so far.

We know more tracks are waiting to be rediscovered, so keep emailing and commenting with your tips! From the United States and Canada, to tracks all over the world, we want to hear from you. That said, let’s get our third Google racetracks virtual road trip underway.

Track: Greenwood Roadway
Location: Indianola, Iowa
Coordinates: 41°15’08″N 93°29’33″W

greenwood Roadway

Motor1 reader Dennis sent us this tip, and at a glance, one might think it could still be an active track. Nestled in south-central Iowa, was a 3.0-mile, 16-turn road course in the middle of nowhere. According to Racingcircuts.info, it was active from 1963 through 1967 and the remote location was part of the reason for its downfall. Poor spectator attendance and maintenance issues also contributed to its demise and today, the site is used for heavy equipment training. But, Greenwood Roadway still exists in the gaming world with titles like rFactor and Assetto Corsa.


Track: Motordrome 70 Speedway
Location: Smithton, Pennsylvania
Coordinates: 40°10’30″N 79°43’30″W

Motordrome 70 Speedway

This half-mile oval started life as a dirt track in 1972, then became a sanctioned NASCAR track in 1989. Speedway and Road Race History reports it was paved at that point, and according to Motor1 reader Tom who sent us the tip, spectator attendance dropped from that point forward. Google’s imagery shows the track in decent condition, and jumping into street view, the entrance is still clearly marked. However, Tom tells us the track has been closed for several years and is currently used by a sound barrier company.


Track: Illiana Motor Speedway
Location: Schererville, Indiana
Coordinates: 41°28’35″N 87°25’17″W

Illiana Motor Speedway

Just 35 miles from Chicago sits the half-mile remains of Illiana Motor Speedway, a track that was active for nearly 70 years as both a dirt and paved oval. Motor1 reader John shared his experiences at the track as a race car driver, competing there in the 1970s and 1980s. John’s son also raced at Illiana, but it closed in 2016. According to the Associated Press, the town of Schererville purchased the track with plans to demolish it and repurpose the land; as of 2021, buildings and bleachers were removed but the asphalt was still there. Discussions on using the land were ongoing in 2023, but the current state of the track is unknown.


Track: Bridgehampton Race Circuit
Location: Sag Harbor, New York
Coordinates: 40°58’41″N 72°20’03″W

Bridgehampton Race Circuit
Bridgehampton Race Circuit layout

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now the location of a golf course, Bridgehampton Race Circuit was once a bustling 12-turn, 2.8-mile track. It officially opened in 1957 and hosted everything from Can-Am to the World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR. A website dedicated to the track talks about Mario Andretti taking Paul Newman out for hot laps in a Mustang. It closed in 1999, and while the golf course offers a general outline of the old track, we’ve highlighted the original layout with our image compare tool. Slide left or right to see how the track used to look. Shout out to Michael for showing us this special piece of racing history.


Track: Bluegrass Motorsports Park
Location: Napoleon, Kentucky
Coordinates: 38°45’45″N 84°47’55″W

Bluegrass Motorsports Park

Can one say a track was abandoned if it was never officially completed? That’s the story with Bluegrass Motorsports Park, which broke ground in 2008. There’s still a Facebook page for the road course, which was designed by Derek Daly of Formula 1 fame. A video from GraySpeed Productions pegs the course at 2.5 miles, and though it looks pretty good from Google’s eye in the sky, the final paving was never finished. Built just as the big recession of 2009-2010 hit, the project allegedly lost funding. According to tipster Dave, the track is currently in private ownership and not accessible to the public.


Track: Roseburg Speedway
Location: Green, Oregon
Coordinates: 43°09’34″N 123°21’41″W

Roseburg Speedway

Even a small quarter-mile oval track that was open only briefly deserves a moment in the light. That’s what we have with Roseburg Speedway, nestled in southwest Oregon amid the trees. We got this tip from Hans, who visited the track as a child to watch the races. He tells us it was a dangerous place; there wasn’t much protection for spectators and a car apparently went into the stands at one point. Hans mentions that happening in the late 1960s but a Facebook page claims the oval was only open from 1963-1964. However long it was there, its legacy lives on with the ghostly outline of trees where the track used to be.


Track: Dayton Speedway
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Coordinates: 39°43’19″N 84°15’14″W

Dayton Speedway
Dayton Speedway Layout

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a bit tricky finding information on this half-mile oval. A tip from Doug gave us an approximate location, and an article from the Dayton Daily News filled in the rest. Opened in 1934, it was actually a little over a half-mile (5/8) and was a very fast track. Famous drivers such as Richard Petty and A.J. Foyt turned laps there, but it closed periodically through the 1970s and shut down for good in 1982. Sadly it became a landfill, but sections where the old course used to be are still visible from the sky.


Track: Lynndale Farms Raceway
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Coordinates: 43°06’29″N 88°18’08″W

Lynndale Farms Raceway
Lynndale Farms Raceway Layout

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you lived in a subdivision that used to be a 2.5-mile, 13-turn road course, could you resist the urge to stab the gas amid all the homes? Lynndale Farms is a lovely subdivision with roads that follow a good portion of the old track. And if you look closely at the upper right side of the image, a portion of that old pavement is still there. According to Barcboys.com, it was only open from 1963 through 1967 and closed due to a combination of bad Wisconsin weather and noise complaints from neighbors. Shout out to John for the tip on this neat track.


Track: Wilmot Hills Road Racing Course
Location: Wilmot, Wisconsin
Coordinates: 42°29’54″N 88°11’03″W

Wilmont Hills Road Racing Course

We might have to make a trip to Wisconsin just to visit all the old tracks that used to exist. In the shadow of Wilmot Mountain ski resort is a short 1-mile road course that lived brightly through the 1950s and 1960s. Barcboys says it was heavily used during that time for everything from driver schools to SCCA racing. It closed in 1967, but Motor1 reader Joe tells us that very little has changed since then. Even the buildings are still in place.


Track: Texas World Speedway
Location: College Station, Texas
Coordinates: 30°32’15″N 96°13’11″W

Texas World Speedway

It’s impossible to miss the remains of Texas World Speedway from above. At two miles in length, it was a proper superspeedway that hosted NASCAR, IMSA, and several other large-scale racing series. The site also had a 2.9-mile road course, but according to RacingCircuits, weather often hampered activity at the track. It fell into disrepair; NASCAR dropped it from the schedule in the 1980s but teams would occasionally use the track for testing purposes. Tipster Michael reminded us that the track closed for good in 2017.

The land is being repurposed for housing, and as of 2024, Texas World Speedway doesn’t exist. However, a striking image from Google Earth captures the track from two different time periods, showing the bones of the old pavement mixed with piles of dirt from the renovation. It’s a sad end for one of the few superspeedways ever built.

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Apr 25, 2024
The Mazda Arata Is Another Try at Making an Electric SUV

The main star at Mazda’s stand in Beijing at the Auto China 2024 is unquestionably the rear-wheel-drive electric 6 sedan. However, it’s not the only premiere since the Arata is also making its first appearance. It’s a sleek-looking concept of an electric SUV destined to go into production by the end of next year in China.

Much like the EZ-6 sedan, the Arata has been developed by Changan Mazda, a 50:50 joint venture between Changan Automobile and Mazda founded in late 2012. It’s likely to adopt a different moniker for the production version, possibly an alphanumeric designation to echo the other SUVs. The “EZ-60” nameplate has already been trademarked in China and therefore might be used for this vehicle.

Meanwhile, the Arata (Japanese for “new” or “fresh”) previews an attractive electric SUV that could be related to an existing product. While the EZ-6 is expected to be a reskinned Changan Depal SL03, the EZ-60 is likely to be based on the Changan Deepal S7. However, these will be more than just cases of swapping badges and calling it a day since there are major design differences. We reckon the Mazda sedan and SUV duo looks significantly more upmarket to justify what will likely be a higher price tag.

The Arata is strictly an EV affair, at least for now, whereas the EZ-6 going on sale this year in China will also be sold with a plug-in hybrid setup. The SUV also adopts the familiar Kodo design language and has relatively small windows and sleek lights front and rear. Just like the sedan, it gets an illuminated grille. The large “Mazda” script on the sides also lights up.

Since it’s still a concept, it has cameras instead of conventional mirrors and also does away with door handles and a rear wiper. Mazda gave it a chunky spoiler bisected by a vertical third brake light that seems to extend to the roof panel. The design of the quarter panel gives the illusion of flying buttresses but we’re not sure there’s an actual hole. Nonetheless, it’s an unexpected design cue to see on an SUV.

Mazda isn’t saying anything about selling the sedan and SUV outside of China where the two will be manufactured. The Zoom-Zoom company has taken shy steps toward electrification but it knows EVs are inevitable. Although the MX-30 hasn’t been a commercial success, to say the least, the Japanese brand is aware it must pursue electrification to survive.

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Apr 25, 2024
These New Nissan Sedans Are a Nice Break from the SUV Madness

The Auto China 2024 show in Beijing is in full swing, and you’ll be glad to hear it’s not all about crossovers and SUVs. After Mazda unveiled a new electric 6 with rear-wheel drive, here comes Nissan with a pair of its very own sedans. The Epoch is fully electric while the Evo is a plug-in hybrid and definitely not a Mitsubishi rally-bred sedan.

Created in collaboration with local partner Dongfeng Motor, the sedans are deemed as concepts but will go into production. During the press conference, Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida said they’re “very close to reality” as development has already commenced. The plan is to have the Epoch on sale within a year whereas the Evo will go on sale later.

The sedans appear to be similar in size, but we’d argue the Evo has a more daring design with a rakish roofline and a nicer derrière. Nissan is only showing the Evo’s interior, featuring a Tesla-esque minimalist approach by cramming all controls into a large tablet-like display. Unlike on the Model 3, there’s still a digital instrument cluster that appears to be a smidge larger than the industry norm.

Despite carrying the Evo name that recalls performance sedans, it’s a car “perfect for weekend getaways and creating special moments for the whole family,” per Nissan. The two models will fight in a crowded market considering automakers active in China are still offering plenty of sedans across multiple segments. The new Volkswagen Passat Pro is a relevant example since no other market gets the sedan.

Of course, Nissan couldn’t miss the opportunity to show a couple of SUVs as well at the Auto China show. The electric Epic and plug-in hybrid Era follow the same design language as the two sedans and are planned to hit the market within the next three years. The Epic has bidirectional charging while the Era gets air suspension, zero-gravity seats, and four-wheel drive.

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Apr 24, 2024
Volkswagen ID.Code Concept Has Eyes That Can See You Coming

Volkswagen has a large presence at this year’s Auto China show in Beijing. The ID.Code Concept could be the strangest of them all, but not for reasons you might expect. On the outside, it looks like a fairly straightforward SUV. The cabin isn’t too radical either, featuring a typical concept layout with four swiveling seats in a minimalist cockpit. It’s the technology coursing through its skin that, frankly, is a bit creepy.

How else would you describe a system called “3D Eyes” that watches you as you approach? It’s part of a comprehensive, interactive lighting system that VW envisions as part of an autonomous future. See that long white strip on the nose between the headlights? It’s called the Light Cloud, and it consists of 967 LEDs that, among other things, can create U-shaped “eyes” that give the appearance of looking in various directions.

Volkswagen ID.Code Concept
Volkswagen ID.Code Concept
Volkswagen ID.Code Concept

It works in conjunction with the Light Screen, which is harder to see. That’s because it’s the smiling portion of the front end below the Light Cloud, where you’d expect to see a grille. VW uses a transparent paint that, when the Light Screen is off, looks like a normal part of the car. When on, it can display everything from weather reports to seasonal images like cherry blossoms in the spring. If another car stops to let you make a turn left, the screen can display a big ol’ heart as a token of gratitude.

We stand by our creepy assessment, but if that’s not enough, VW also gives the ID.Code something called Smart Windows. In spots on the glass, these windows can display an avatar in the guise of a human that can strike up a conversation as you approach. So to sum up, we have digital eyes and emojis that appear on the front, and a floating human head on side windows that might remind you to wear sunscreen. And we haven’t even talked about the “secret sauce” yet.

VW says all of these tech features are part of a “secret sauce.” VW designers envision the sauce as something intangible that’s surprising and inspiring, and the tech, along with the overall design, are a part of that. The company says it’s really about bringing human-like camaraderie and communication to a future filled with AI. That communication isn’t relegated to just the vehicle owner, either. A bevy of cameras and sensors give the ID.Code Level 4 autonomous functionality, so these so-called eyes and external screens can also facilitate more vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication.

Meanwhile, front-seat occupants in the SUV’s cockpit can spin 180 degrees and chat with the folks in the back while the car drives. Or you can have a conversation with the car—or rather, the human avatar appears in augmented reality on the windshield. Presumably, it can multitask while safely maneuvering through traffic.

Volkswagen ID.Code Concept Interior

As for the exterior design, VW believes that’s also part of this special sauce. Described as sleek and jet-like, it’s supposed to strike a balance between a functional SUV and that of a sleek grand touring vehicle of old. Design is subjective, so we’ll let you draw your own conclusions there. We see a clean SUV with contemporary crossover flair, but that’s about it.

This is strictly a concept vehicle for now. There’s no mention of powertrain, range, or anything of a mechanical nature. There’s also no mention of possible production plans, though VW is adamant about the ID.Code pointing towards the company’s future in China. Whether features like 3D Eyes or human avatars migrate to other parts of the world, we’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds.

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Apr 23, 2024
The Biggest Smart Ever Is a Wannabe Off-Roader

Gone are the days of diminutive Smart cars as the latest models keep getting bigger. The uninspiringly named #1 is 168.1 inches long while the #3 stretches at 174.8 inches. This new #5 is a concept that previews an even bigger model coming out later this year. The company doesn’t mention exact dimensions but goes as far as to call it a mid-size SUV. Yes, a mid-size Smart.

The boxy SUV looks like a futuristic take on the Mercedes GLB with off-road traits such as the lifted suspension and all-terrain tires. Smart also gave it chunky skid plates and even limb risers we’re used to seeing on Jeep Wranglers and Ford Broncos. There’s also the usual plastic body cladding around the wheel arches along with a chunky roof rack and an LED light bar. The concept’s adventurous theme is accentuated by a built-in winch and a folding rear step to access the roof.

It’s touted as “the most versatile Smart of all time” and comes with all-wheel drive thanks to a pair of electric motors. You can tell the Concept #5 is huge by its massive battery with a capacity of over 100 kWh. The jacked-up EV benefits from 800-volt technology for fast-charging by needing just 15 minutes to replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent. Fully charged, it’ll cover more than 342 miles on a single charge, based on the WLTP cycle.

As for the interior, it embraces the all-screen setup with a triple display layout. It combines a smaller digital instrument cluster with a central infotainment and an extra screen just for the front passenger. There are a few touch-sensitive shortcut buttons between the driver’s display and the touchscreen but most of the functions are accessed through the two larger OLED panels.

Smart cars are certainly not what they used to be since Concept #5 has quite a few party tricks. It gets a zero-gravity passenger seat with massaging and ventilation functions, along with a footrest. There’s also a removable speaker in the center console, an AI-based virtual assistant, and ambient lighting in the back of all four headrests.

The mid-size SUV is attending the Auto China 2024 in Beijing where the show kicks off April 25. Smart will unveil the subsequent production model in the latter half of the year.

As a reminder, Smart hasn’t been a wholly-owned Mercedes subsidiary since 2019. It’s a 50:50 joint venture between the German luxury brand and Geely. The #1 and #3 we mentioned earlier are built in China. Ineos Automotive builds the Grenadier pickup truck and SUV at the former Smart plant in Hambach, France.

Smart isn’t the only company that has deviated from its traditional formula of making small cars since BMW’s Mini is also coming out with significantly larger vehicles. For example, the latest Countryman is 174.5 inches long, so about the same as the Smart #3. The two have an identical width, at 72.6 inches. The upcoming #5 will be even bigger.

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Apr 21, 2024
Watch This Twin-Turbo Corvette E-Ray Lay Down a Nine-Second Quarter-Mile

The Chevy Corvette E-Ray is an extremely quick car. With a total 655 horsepower from a 6.2-liter pushrod V-8 and a front-mounted electric motor, the car can sprint to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest supercars around. But that wasn’t nearly enough for one tuner shop.

The folks from Boost District decided to slap a couple of turbos to the 6.2-liter V-8 found behind the cabin of the E-Ray and go to the drag strip to see how it would perform. And it performed exceptionally. The car, driven by Boost District’s founder, Roshan, was able to lay down an incredibly quick 9.741-second quarter-mile time at 152.99 mph. 

Boost District says this E-Ray is making an impressive 1,000 hp thanks to an ETS twin-turbo kit, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering pistons, and a beefier fuel injection system. The heads and cams are totally stock, as are the Michelin PS4S tires. The only other upgrade to the car is a heavy-duty clutch, there to handle the extra torque. 

According to Boost District, those Michelins weren’t grippy enough to manage all that extra power. The shop says the car was spinning all four tires during its quarter-mile run. They say the car can possibly break into the high eight-second range with only some minor adjustments, like stickier tires.

If you’re not satisfied with your E-Ray’s speed, Boost District will sell you this entire set of upgrades, with packages starting at $21,250 fully installed. If you want to wipe the smile off your local Z06 owner’s face, this is a pretty solid option.

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Apr 19, 2024
This 700-HP Raptor-Fighting Chevy Silverado Can Be Yours for $210,000

The folks at Fox Factory aren’t waiting for Chevrolet to build a proper competitor for the F-150 Raptor R or Ram TRX. They’ve built one of their own: The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado Fox Factory Edition. It’s packing 700 horsepower and enough suspension travel to safely land on an aircraft carrier. It’s not a one-off thing, either. Fox Factory will build 500 of these burly Silverados, but there is a catch: It costs $209,999.

Fox Factory says that’s an estimated starting MSRP, but it’s still $100,000 more than an F-150 Raptor R. For the price you get a supercharger bolted atop the Silverado’s 6.2-liter V-8, upping output to the aforementioned 700 hp and 640 pound-feet of torque. A Borla exhaust adds noise, and it all goes through Chevy’s 10-speed automatic transmission. But the pièce de résistance here isn’t the powertrain.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado Fox Factory Edition
2024 Chevrolet Silverado Fox Factory Edition
2024 Chevrolet Silverado Fox Factory Edition

Fox is known for off-roading magic, and this upgraded Silverado ditches the rear leaf spring suspension for a long-travel multilink setup. Fox 3.2 coilovers and aluminum trailing arms give 15.5 inches of usable travel in the back. Up front, there’s 14.5 inches of travel with Fox 3.2 shocks in a long-travel A-arm setup. It’s a semi-active, electronically controlled system that can be managed inside the truck, with Fox Factory emphasizing “control and stability at high speeds off-road in real-time.”

Baja Kits worked with Fox Factory on the setup, which includes a Dana 60 Axle and an ARB air locker at the back. The factory front limited-slip axle gets 3.73 gears, and the changes add six inches to the Silverado’s track. It all rides on 17-inch Method wheels shod with 37-inch BFG K02 tires.

To accommodate the mechanical changes, Fox Factory adds numerous body upgrades. The hood and wide front fenders are carbon fiber, as are the bedsides at the rear. It wears new high-clearance bumpers front and rear, has lights galore, and the interior is upgraded with Alcantara and even more carbon fiber.

Fox Factory doesn’t specify when its high-flying Silverado will be available, but the company is taking reservations now with an initial $5,000 payment.

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Apr 19, 2024
Rezvani Will Build You a Neo-Retro Porsche 911 with Up to 750 HP

Rezvani is dipping a toe into the world of retro-themed Porsches. No, you can’t buy a 911-shaped supercar with weird options like smokescreens or pepper spray dispensers. But you can have a 992-generation 911 reskinned with retro-themed body panels and punched up with performance upgrades. Say hello to the Rezvani Retro RR1, available in three versions with power ranging from 550 to 750 horsepower.

Regardless of the version you choose, all RR1s get a new carbon fiber body that draws on the 935 Kremer race cars from the late 1970s, evident with the new front fascia. But Rezvani offers an interesting take on the slant nose hood with narrow rectangular headlights replacing the iconic ovals, looking similar to those on the Taycan. Further back, the flared rear haunches blend into a fixed wing that tugs on our 1970s heartstrings. Turbofan-style wheels wrap up a package that, to our eyes, looks pretty damn good.

As for the bones, Rezvani buyers can choose between the 911 Carrera S, the GT3, or the Turbo S. The RR1 550 is the entry point, so named because the Carrera’s boosted 3.0-liter engine gets 550 hp for track use, or 520 hp on the street. The RR 565 is built from the GT3 and gets unspecified tweaks to its 4.0-liter flat-six for 535 hp on the street, or 565 at the track. And then there’s the RR1 750 making—you guessed it—750 hp in track tune. Street versions only have 715 hp to work with, putting power down through the Turbo’s standard all-wheel-drive system.

Optional upgrades for all versions include suspension, brakes, roll cages, racing harnesses, and lightweight polycarbonate windows. You can also opt for a custom retro livery for the exterior, but the options add up quickly. Check every box and you’ll add $25,450 to the final price.

Speaking of which, Rezvani lists the starting price for the RR1 at $149,000. That’s not including the donor chassis, of course. Each example is made to order, and the buyer has to supply the car. Moreover, the company says that’s an introductory price that will go up after the first five orders are placed. Total production will be capped at 50 units and Rezvani already has conversions underway with deliveries planned later this year.

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Apr 19, 2024
Rebecca Clancy Named Editor-in-Chief of Autosport

London, April 17, 2024 – Rebecca Clancy has been named Editor-in-Chief, Autosport, it was announced today by Mike Spinelli, Head of Content, Motorsport Network.  

Her appointment is effective April 29. Autosport is the world’s most influential source for racing news and analysis.  

A lifelong sports fan, Clancy joins Autosport from The Times where she was the Motor Racing Correspondent for the past seven years. Additionally, Clancy covered other sports including rugby, athletics, and tennis.

Before joining the sports team, she worked on the news and business desk. Prior to joining The Times, Clancy was at The Telegraph and The Financial Times’ investment magazine. 

“I’m excited to welcome Rebecca to Autosport,” says Spinelli. “Her from-the-paddock storytelling expertise, deep knowledge of F1, and passion for motorsports informs an energizing vision for this celebrated brand. I can’t wait to see how she leads Autosport into its 75th anniversary next year and beyond.”    

In addition, leading F1 journalist Ben Hunt will be joining Autosport, effective June 4. Hunt has worked in motorsport for over 12 years, most recently at The Sun where he was an F1 correspondent and motorsport columnist.

He is the author of Growing Wings: The Inside Story of Red Bull Racing (2024) and Lando Norris: A biography (2023). In a 23-year career in sports journalism, he has previously reported on Premier League football, Ashes cricket tests, snooker championships and Ryder Cups.

Rebecca and Ben co-host the F1 podcast Inside the Piranha Club and will continue this in their new roles at Autosport.

“I’m honored to lead this esteemed motorsport brand into this new era,” Clancy said. “Together, with our team of dedicated journalists and content creators, we’ll push boundaries, and ignite the passion of fans worldwide.”

With nearly 75 years of authority, Autosport has unparalleled access to the growing global racing world. The brand reaches over two million superfans and covers the inner narratives, technicalities, and business of the global racing world.

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