European Sports Car Collection Discovered in Japanese Store

Summary: A surprising collection of European sports cars and exotica has been found in a Japanese car shop called Collezione on Tokyo's Kanpachi Dori road, known for its car culture. The collection includes Italian and French cars, with a focus on Lancia Delta Integrale, a renowned rally car from the '90s.

FutureCar Staff Aug 13, 2023 9:17 AM PT

EVs Piling Up, Buyers Still Interested, Experts Claim

Experts say that although electric vehicles (EVs) are piling up on dealer lots for longer periods, it doesn't mean that consumer interest is waning. The high "days' supply" numbers are influenced by factors such as the pandemic affecting supply metrics and the transition to EVs happening at different rates across different markets. While some regions have seen steady growth in EV sales, others have experienced slower demand.

FutureCar Staff Aug 13, 2023 9:16 AM PT

Exposed Tesla Cybertruck suspension system in spy shots

A broken-down Tesla Cybertruck was spotted in California, allowing a bystander to take spy shots of the electric pickup truck's suspension system. The vehicle, covered in a reflective sheet, may be a release candidate or prototype undergoing terrain testing. The suspension is described as robust and simple, with a rear lower A-arm made of welded steel and an actuator for dynamic damping.

FutureCar Staff Aug 13, 2023 9:16 AM PT

Unique Prototype Racecar $22k

Summary: A unique prototype with racecar looks, handbuilt using Audi parts, was recently listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. The vehicle resembles Group C racecars from the '80s and '90s, with features like a low and wide stance, a central driving position, and track-focused design elements. It is powered by a rear-mounted V6 sourced from a first-generation Audi A4 and was listed for €20,000 ($21,840). The listing is no longer available, indicating that the prototype may have been sold.

FutureCar Staff Aug 13, 2023 9:15 AM PT

Production of Liquid Metal Battery Begins

The startup Ambri is set to put its liquid metal battery into service on the electrical grid next year. The battery technology is cheaper and simpler than lithium-ion batteries, using molten metal electrodes and a molten salt electrolyte. It is also more durable and not flammable. Ambri aims to bring down the cost to make it competitive with traditional power plants by 2030. Another promising energy storage technology is phase-change materials.

FutureCar Staff Aug 13, 2023 9:14 AM PT

China's JAC Develops Tesla Semi Replica

Chinese manufacturer JAC appears to have developed a near-clone of the all-electric Tesla Semi truck. Photos of the JAC prototype show clear similarities in terms of overall shape, dimensions, and features such as a large windshield and headlights positioned in the same spot. The JAC prototype also has a centrally-mounted seat and two large screens on either side of the steering wheel, similar to the Tesla Semi.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:49 AM PT

Electric vehicle cargo fire at sea

Summary: A cargo fire on an electric vehicle highlights the potential risks for mariners, emphasizing the need for safety precautions.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:46 AM PT

Tesla hackers exploit voltage glitching for feature unlocking.

German PhD students from Technische Universität Berlin demonstrated at the Black Hat conference that they were able to bypass the $300 purchase requirement to activate heated rear seats in a Tesla Model 3 by using voltage glitching. They soldered wires to the infotainment and connectivity ECU, causing the voltage to drop at the right time and fool the system into thinking it was being booted securely.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:45 AM PT

Audi's Electric RS6 Sedan Arriving Earlier Than Expected.

Audi's all-electric RS6 sedan is set to arrive in the UK in 2025, with a potential release in the US in 2027. The sedan will offer up to 600 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, possibly even reaching 800 hp. This marks the return of the RS6 sedan after a 12-year hiatus.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:44 AM PT

Tesla CFO Zach Kirkhorn's Departure: The Driving Force

Tesla's CFO Zach Kirkhorn has stepped down, with Vaibhav Taneja appointed as the new CFO. The reasons for Kirkhorn's departure are unclear, but one theory is that he has accomplished the heavy lifting at Tesla and may become a CEO elsewhere in 2024. Despite the loss, Tesla has a strong bench of talent.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:42 AM PT

Cox Automotive and Hendy's Fundraising Efforts for Shelter Charity

Cox Automotive and Hendy Group raised £2,300 for Shelter Charity through a fund-raising sleepout. The event aimed to raise awareness and funds for housing and homelessness. A donated Citroen and sponsorship contributed to the total amount. Cox Automotive hopes to raise tens of thousands more for the cause through future events. Shelter provides assistance and campaigns for better housing conditions for those in need.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:39 AM PT

Extension granted for HMRC cash allowance appeal

HMRC granted extension to consider appeal after court rules it wrongly refused tax relief on car allowance payments. Two employers, Wilmott Dixon and Laing O'Rourke, successfully argued that car allowance payments should qualify for relief from national insurance contributions (NICs). HMRC potentially has to repay Laing O'Rourke £2.2 million in NICs and more claims may follow. The ruling follows a landmark case from over 10 years ago where HMRC lost a case involving grey fleet mileage claims.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:38 AM PT

Lexus LBX UK price starts at £29,995

The new Lexus LBX crossover is available for pre-order in the UK, starting at £29,995. The entry-level model includes features such as alloy wheels, LED headlights, infotainment touchscreen, and a rear-view camera. There are five other grades available with additional amenities. The LBX is Lexus' smallest model designed for the European market and will be released in March 2024.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:37 AM PT

Lexus LBX entry-level model price starts at £29,995

The new Lexus LBX SUV/Crossover is available for pre-sale in the UK starting at £29,995. It offers a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain with 2WD (4WD option to come) and various trim levels and options. It comes in six different grades and five different atmospheres, with a limited run of 250 Original Edition models. The entry-level model includes features like LED headlights, smartphone integration, and parking sensors.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:36 AM PT

ID.Buzz California electric camper delayed by Volkswagen

Volkswagen is delaying the release of the ID.Buzz California electric camper due to its weight. The camper would weigh at least three tons, making it too heavy for European driving licenses. Instead, VW will unveil a "California Concept" based on the Multivan with a hybrid drivetrain. The production version is expected to roll out next summer.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:34 AM PT

Clean electricity regulations released by Ottawa

Canada's draft clean electricity regulations will be announced today by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault. The goal is to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. The regulations will play a crucial role in Canada's overall climate goals, as they will support the transition to zero-emission vehicles and other clean energy solutions. Despite the grid already being 85% clean, the demand is projected to double by 2050 due to the increasing use of electric transportation.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:34 AM PT

GM's "Ultium-Based Coupes" Set to Launch in 2026

General Motors (GM) plans to introduce "Ultium-based coupes" to its electric vehicle (EV) lineup by 2026. The company, known for its SUVs and pickups, is expanding its range of EVs based on the Ultium batteries and drive units. Alongside SUVs and trucks, GM will also include the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV and Cadillac Celestiq ultra-luxury sedan.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:33 AM PT

Used car sales rise with increasing demand for electric vehicles

Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has led to a surge in used car sales in the UK. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a 4.1% increase in used car transactions between April and June compared to the previous year. Sales of used battery electric cars rose by 81.8% year on year. However, overall used car sales remain 9.9% below pre-pandemic levels.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:31 AM PT

Bugatti Chiron honors brand's legacy

Bugatti has unveiled a one-off Chiron Super Sport Golden Era, designed to celebrate the brand's heritage. The car is adorned with a hand-drawn mural featuring 45 historic Bugatti models, paying tribute to the firm's iconic W16 engine and past models. The mural took over 400 hours to create and is meant to last the lifetime of the car.

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:27 AM PT

Webfleet breaks electric van range record

Webfleet, the fleet management solution by Bridgestone, broke the Guinness World Records for the longest distance travelled by an electric van on a single charge. The Fiat E-Scudo, equipped with Bridgestone Duravis tires, covered 311.18 miles (500.8 km).

FutureCar Staff Aug 12, 2023 9:26 AM PT