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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 75^th 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.

Tesla introduced the updated Model 3 last September without the anticipated Performance variant. But it must be right around the corner considering preliminary details were hiding within the source code of the company’s UK configurator. A reader of our sister site InsideEVs found the details hiding in plain sight. We’ve checked the source code and can confirm it’s all there.

The updated Model 3 Performance is getting “all-new, high-performance drive units” that will deliver a combined output of over 500 horsepower. An exact figure produced by the dual motors is not mentioned, but Tesla claims it’s “the most powerful Model 3 ever.” As a refresher, the old one was rated at 505 hp.

Tesla mentions it has also tweaked the chassis and suspension for “intuitive, razor-sharp response to driver inputs.” Elsewhere, pedal feel has been improved, and so has heat management for more consistent braking regardless of speed. The new Model 3 Performance is also getting lightweight, staggered wheels with unspecified tires for “increased traction out of corners.”

As for cosmetic changes, the same source code mentions “redesigned front and rear fascias, rear diffuser, and carbon fiber spoiler.” Inside, it’s getting an “all-new seat design with enhanced side and cushion bolsters” and ventilation. To set it apart from the lesser Model 3 versions, Tesla is giving the Performance a “lightweight carbon fiber décor and refined weave pattern.”

There are also a bunch of images we couldn’t scrape from the website. In addition, the 0 to 60 mph time is a placeholder since the source code only says {ACCELERATION}. The old Model 3 Performance needed 3.1 seconds. The range doesn’t seem to be listed, but we’ll remind you the outgoing model was rated by EPA at 315 miles.

Weight isn’t mentioned, although a previous leak indicated it would remain unchanged, at 4,089 pounds. It is also believed the 82.0-kilowatt-hour battery capacity will be identical, but nothing is official yet.

As for the name, it appears to be carried over. Despite rumors indicating it would be rebranded as a Model 3 Ludicrous, it looks as though Performance is staying.

Since Tesla is updating its regional websites to include the new Model 3 Performance, expect an official reveal in the coming days or weeks.

Alfa Romeo announced today it will change the name of its newly unveiled Milano SUV to “Junior” following pressure from the Italian government.

The decision comes just a few days after Adolfo Urso, Italy’s industry minister, criticized Alfa Romeo for marketing a car produced outside of Italy with an Italian name. The Milano is built at Alfa’s Tychy assembly plant, located in Poland.

“A car called Milano cannot be produced in Poland,” This is forbidden by Italian law,” Urso said on Thursday. 

He’s referring to a piece of legislation from 2003 that calls out “Italian-sounding” products that falsely claim to be produced in Italy, according to Reuters. 

“This law stipulates that you cannot give indications that mislead consumers,” Urso added. “So a car called Milano must be produced in Italy. Otherwise, it gives a misleading indication which is not allowed under Italian law.”

Developing…

Normally, we don’t pay much attention to promo videos from Formula 1 teams. But Lewis Hamilton playing turn-of-the-millennium racing games is different. These are games we all have a lot of nostalgia for, as does Hamilton, who managed to find the time to play the likes of F1 2000, and Gran Turismo. It’s that last one we’re most excited to see the seven-time champ play.

On putting the disc into a PlayStation 1, Hamilton immediately picks a Midnight Purple R33-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R and gets into a race at Trial Mountain. Both connoisseur’s choices if we do say so ourselves. While GT1 had a nice selection of 37 cars in its arcade mode, the GT-R was one of the best. Really, those early games were defined in large part by the Skyline GT-R. Buying one in the game’s career mode was always a good investment, as any hardcore player is aware. It seems Hamilton really knows the game.

You might be thinking why not a Mercedes? The German automaker only joined the franchise in Gran Turismo 2. (Hamilton’s future employer, Ferrari, only showed up in Gran Turismo 5.) 

Hamilton also seems to be fond of the color purple, and a social media video from 2022 shows he’s into Skyline GT-Rs, too. In that video, he drives a rented R34-generation GT-R, but that car came out after Gran Turismo’s 1997 launch. 

If there were any lingering doubts about Hamilton’s car-enthusiast bonafides, there shouldn’t be. His choice of Gran Turismo car shows he’s one of us.