AC MOTORSPORT x MICHELOTTO

Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo

Italian companies AC Motorsport and Michelotto, both based in Padua, have unveiled the mid-engined Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo—a vehicle inspired by the Ferrari 308 GTB Group 4 race car from the late 1970s.

The Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo reportedly combines classic design and an analog driving experience with modern race-car construction technologies.

In 1978, Giuliano Michelotto—founder of the company that bears his name—collaborated with Ferrari to prepare the 308 GTB for rally competition, in accordance with the Group 4 regulations of the time. Although the car proved to be very fast and secured numerous victories, it was not well-suited for winter conditions or gravel surfaces, which prevented it from becoming a serious contender for the World Championship. Over the years, Michelotto continued to prepare Ferrari models for various forms of motorsport, accumulating a wealth of technical expertise in the process. Today, the firm specializes in the design and production of race cars.

AC Motorsport, founded by entrepreneur Francesco Calzavara—a former Michelotto employee—joined forces with the company to create a modern reincarnation of the Ferrari 308 GTB Group 4: the Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo. The Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo is not a restomod; it does not require an original Ferrari 308 GTB as a base for its construction. Instead, the vehicle is built around a tubular chassis, featuring carbon-fiber body panels that faithfully replicate the appearance of the classic Ferrari 308 GTB—retaining even the iconic pop-up headlights and the signature round taillights. Lightweight, five-spoke 18-inch wheels also serve as a tribute to classic Ferrari models.

The interior, designed for two occupants, does not prioritize refined aesthetics; it is strictly functional, featuring a rugged carbon-fiber dashboard and a rectangular display that presents instrumentation in a traditional, analog style. There is no infotainment system; all buttons and switches are physical, large, and clearly illuminated.

Positioned transversely behind the cabin is an all-new 3.4-liter V8 engine—engineered according to classic principles—which utilizes two valves per cylinder. It produces 380 hp at 8,250 rpm and 363 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, while the vehicle’s weight is a mere 950 kg.

The suspension system is equipped with adjustable shock absorbers, while stopping power is provided by ventilated disc brakes with four-piston calipers.

The car is fitted with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires. The Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo will be produced in a limited run aimed at affluent enthusiasts of classic Italian cars; however, the price, production volume, and delivery date have not yet been announced.

Autonews

AUTONEWS

Real-time driver warning system helps prevent animal collisions

It's 9 p.m. on a rural mountain highway when a 750-pound elk steps onto the road, its silhouette hidden from an oncoming driver by a curve in the terrain.

Suddenly, a roadside sign illuminates: "Wildlife Detected Ahead. Slow Down." The driver eases off the accelerator, and both travelers continue on safely.

This scenario became a reality along a 14-mile stretch of Route 460 in Southwest Virginia that recently served as a one-year pilot project testing a real-time wildlife detection and automated driver warning system. Led by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), the system used digital road signs to alert motorists to the presence of elk and other large animals. Initial results showed drivers responded to the warnings by reducing their speeds by an average of 3 mph when approaching activated signs.

“We have demonstrated an automated system that can detect wildlife, activate real-time warnings, and produce a measurable change in driver behavior both at the warning sign and across the broader detection corridor,” said Shreyas Bhat, a research associate at VTTI.

Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the system utilizes a network of thermal cameras and AI software to detect medium- to large-sized animals in the roadway and trigger a live warning on roadside signs for approaching drivers. The VTTI team partnered with Crosstek, a provider of off-the-shelf cameras and AI software for wildlife detection, to develop the system and leveraged T-Mobile's 5G cellular network and satellite service for remote monitoring.

Throughout deployment, the team collected data on more than 10,000 passing vehicles. The detection system itself demonstrated an overall accuracy of 97 percent for identifying medium- and large-sized wildlife.

The project’s innovative approach to remote data management recently won first place in the 2026 T-Mobile Innovate Awards Innovation in Community category.

The pilot was part of VDOT’s expansion of Corridor Q, which extends Route 460 from the Kentucky state line to the town of Grundy, Virginia. Associated with the Appalachian Development Highway System, Corridor Q traverses portions of Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia, providing an additional interstate connection to those in rural Appalachia. The corridor is also home to approximately 100 elk. 

Collisions involving elk are costly, averaging more than $80,000 per crash, according to the project’s feasibility study. With an adult male elk weighing between 550 and 1,300 pounds, the risk to drivers is high. At the same time, elk tourism in Buchanan County has become a popular economic driver for the area.  

“The motivation was to reduce the risk of accidents or fatalities while also protecting the elk in their habitat,” said Jean Paul Talledo Vilela, a VTTI research scientist.

The challenge...While similar systems have been deployed on other roadways in the U.S., building a solution that could operate reliably in remote, mountainous terrain brought its own challenges.

Talledo Vilela, the lead engineer on the project, said system architecture had to be tailored toward the unique demands of operating in the Appalachian Mountains.

“This system is unique because of the requirements of the area — it needed to be solar powered, portable, and be able to withstand all weather conditions,” Talledo Vilela said.

The wildlife detection and warning system consisted of eight portable, solar-powered trailers and dynamic message signs deployed on a 750-meter section of the Route 460 corridor.

VTTI collaborated with Crosstek to integrate the trailer network with thermal cameras that continuously monitored the roadway and surrounding shoulder areas for elk and other large wildlife. When these animals were detected, the roadside warning signs activated. 

“The topography made communication signals challenging,” Talledo Vilela said. “We needed to ensure that all the trailers had the ability to communicate with each other and send the data from each of those back to the main hub.”

As part of the effort to measure driver behavior, roadside radar units were deployed along the corridor to analyze vehicle speed.

“Speed is an important data point to understand if drivers were actually paying attention to the message board,” Talledo Vilela said. “Even if they are not braking aggressively, some reduction in speed indicates that they may be paying more attention to their surroundings because they got that alert.”

Looking ahead...The initial pilot ended in September 2026. Although data analysis is continuing, Talledo Vilela believes the project demonstrates how portable wildlife detection systems could be deployed in other areas where animals frequently cross roadways.

“One of the goals was to understand how a portable solution can be transferred or adopted in other locations,” Talledo Vilela said.

Beyond wildlife detection, the research team sees opportunities to adapt the technology for other roadway safety applications that require real-time hazard detection and driver warnings.

Roadkill hot spot...It's the first time the technology has been used in New South Wales, with the trial being conducted on a 300 metre section of the Monaro Highway at Michelago, between Canberra and Cooma.

"This is an area that has been assessed as having one of the highest rates of animal wildlife strikes on the network in New South Wales,"  Ms Aitchinson said.

Wildcare Queanbeyan president Elena Guarracino described the area is "an incredible hot spot" for kangaroos in particular.

"There are a couple of dams on one side of the Monaro Highway, and they're continually crossing there and it's just a very … horrible area," she said.

"I've counted up to 30 dead kangaroos at that spot. Along that road towards Williamsdale every 10 metres you'll see a dead kangaroo.

"That's partly fuelled by the ski traffic, but also there's a lot of traffic just generally that commutes to Canberra along that road.

"What we see from the road is just a fraction of what's been hit and moved away from the road until it succumbs to its injuries."

An estimated 10 million animals are killed on Australian roads each year at a huge cost to motorists, insurers and native animals — as well as to wildlife volunteers. 

"When those animals are struck, the wildlife group has to send people out to rescue that injured animal or potentially euthanise it," Ms Guarracino said.

"And then there's the impact of the joey that's in the pouch which, when it's rescued, can take up to two years to rehabilitate before it can be old enough to be released.

"That costs at least $1,200 and enormous volunteer hours — that's if everything goes well and vets aren't involved."

'Smart' version of traditional sign...Ms Guarracino said research had shown the traditional yellow and black wildlife warning signs along roads and highways "don't work".

"They might initially warn the motorists that there is wildlife in that area, but drivers get habituated to those signs," she said.

The digital sign being used as part of the trial, on the other hand, will only display words when activated to alert drivers. 

"What this is about is targeting the message so that it's exactly correct for what is happening on the network," Ms Aitchinson said.

"So it just means that drivers will get more of a warning that will be more appropriate to actually whether there's animals there or not."

The development of PAWS and the subsequent trial is a result of recommendations from the 2024 Wildlife Symposium in Sydney, exploring how emerging technology could be used to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.

The AI model behind PAWS has been developed by Transport for NSW's technology and biodiversity teams, combined with animal data from the Symbio Wildlife Park near Wollongong.

Specialist cameras filmed how different species moved and behaved in a controlled setting to build an image library, which was then cross-referenced with time-of-day and weather data to sharpen the system's accuracy in different types of conditions.

"This is an investment of around half a million dollars in just developing the technology," Ms Aitchison said.

"And the benefit of it being done and developed in-house with Transport for New South Wales is that we can ensure that we have the technology, we can use it."

Passengers urged to help lookout for wildlife...The trial at Michelago is due to begin next month, and Transport for NSW will track whether there is a reduction in wildlife strikes in the test area.

Ms Guarracino is hopeful that if the technology proves successful it will not only be rolled out to other hot spots, but also expanded to bring real-time alerts into cars as they drive past.

"It'd be great if the cameras could be integrated into guideposts and give a warning to a driver [via Bluetooth] through their warning devices in their cars," she said.

In the meantime, she continues to urge drivers and passengers to keep their eyes peeled for animal activity, especially during dusk and dawn. 

"I drive very carefully and scan the sides of the road the whole time, even in the daytime," she said.

"And instead of having passengers watching their phone, they need to be scanning the road and helping the driver and going, 'Oh, kangaroo on the left, slow down'."

Real-time animal-collision warning systems...Advanced systems based on artificial intelligence (AI) and video/thermal monitoring are transforming highway safety, helping to prevent accidents between vehicles and wild animals without obstructing wildlife migration routes.

Key technologies and recent projects:

• VTTI and Route 460 (USA/Virginia): A pilot project completed in September 2026 by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) utilized eight solar-powered, portable trailers equipped with thermal cameras and radar along a stretch of Route 460 to detect elk. The system achieved 97% accuracy and triggered dynamic message signs to alert drivers.

• LAARMA (Australia): Developed in northern Queensland to protect cassowaries, the LAARMA (Large Animal Activated Roadside Monitoring and Alert) system employs low-cost roadside units with AI sensors that activate flashing illuminated signs when the approach of an animal is detected.

• Transport for NSW (Australia): In 2026, this agency tested the PAWS system in areas with high activity of kangaroos, deer, and wombats, combining thermal/optical cameras and computer vision to activate smart signage along the roadway.

• Connected Vehicles (Volvo): New models (such as the XC90 line) incorporate cooperative safety technologies and "Large Animal Alert" features, utilizing automatic braking and steering assistance when the driver's reaction time is insufficient.

• Light/Laser-Based Systems (Netherlands): Trials are exploring the use of thin lines of light or laser along the roadside—triggered by the presence of animals—designed not to block wildlife, but to provide a visual signal to drivers, prompting them to reduce their speed. 

• Initiatives in Brazil: Research led by local institutions, with support from organizations such as FAPESP, is developing computer vision models trained to identify vulnerable species (such as giant anteaters, wolves, and tapirs) and send real-time alerts to mobile apps or vehicle dashboard displays.

Virginia Tech Transportation Institute in Southwest Virginia-USA

 

AUTONEWS

Your car’s weakest spot may not be in the car

Modern cars are constantly connected to the outside world. This makes them vulnerable to hackers who want to take control of the vehicle remotely. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology have found that IT vulnerabilities have shifted from the car’s own computer systems to apps and cloud services connected to it.

A car is a computer on wheels. It communicates with the car manufacturer’s cloud services, the driver’s phone and charging stations, and when children stream films in the back seat, data travels over the internet. All these connections can become entry points for hackers into the car. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology studied 413 reported security vulnerabilities in automotive software between 2022 and 2024 and compared them with the previous decade.

“Ten years ago, most vulnerabilities were found in the cars’ own systems. Now the share found in apps, websites and cloud services has nearly tripled. These systems hold data about where you live, where you drive and when, so the risk is not only that someone could interfere with the car, but that they could get hold of information about your life,” says Srijita Basu, postdoctoral researcher in software engineering at the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology.

Driver data in cloud services...A reported IT vulnerability does not mean that a breach has occurred, only that there is a risk of one. In December 2024, it was revealed that data from around 800,000 electric cars from Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda had been openly accessible on the internet for several months. The data contained precise GPS information and the email addresses, telephone numbers and home addresses of the owners of the cars. This meant that it was possible to see exactly where and when a particular car had been driven. The vulnerability was in the cloud service used by the car manufacturer to upload data from vehicles on the road. The data leak was uncovered by an ethical hacker group after a tip from a whistleblower and was widely reported in the media. The leak was fixed before it was known to have been misused.

“When we compare with the previous decade, we can see that IT vulnerabilities are now most commonly found in apps, websites and cloud services, and that the risks are more often rated as serious and critical. We are surprised by how basic some of the weaknesses in these systems are. They can involve passwords that have not been changed since installation. Hackers can use tried-and-tested old tricks to gain access through a back door,” says Srijita Basu.

Took control of the accelerator and brakes...The car’s audio and media system, commonly known as the infotainment system, is a weak point. Anyone connected to the car’s Wi-Fi network could potentially gain access to the car’s other systems as well if they are not properly separated.

This happened in a test conducted by security researchers to a Jeep Cherokee in 2015. Through the car’s media system, they were able to gain access to other systems in the vehicle and take control of steering, brakes and the accelerator. The new study shows that similar weaknesses still appear nearly a decade later.

“My advice to car manufacturers is to keep systems that control the vehicle strictly separated from infotainment and other connected systems, with strong security around them. They should also learn from the web and IT world, where many of these flaws have been known for years. When the car is constantly connected to the outside world, it also invites the outside world into the car,” says Srijita Basu.

Differences between computer chips...In their review of reported vulnerabilities, the researchers analysed where each vulnerability had originated. Was it in the design of the IT function, in the programming or in the software running on the car’s computer chips? The researchers found that chip manufacturers vary in how well they protect their products against attacks and in how openly they report security flaws. Computer chips from the same manufacturer are often used by several car makers. This means that hackers who have found a back door into the IT system of one car model may be able to use the same method on other cars as well.

“Car owners also have a responsibility to make things more difficult for hackers. It is important to update the software as soon as the car prompts you to do so, and strong passwords are still important. Today we share a lot of personal information with AI assistants for cars, for example when we ask to plan a long journey in an electric car. Like other AI systems, these assistants can be tricked into revealing information they have been given, so it matters what we share with them and what car makers allow them to access,” says Srijita Basu.

The weakest point of your car may not lie within the vehicle itself, but rather in the apps, websites, and cloud services connected to it. A study published in October 2026 by researchers from the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology revealed that the proportion of security vulnerabilities found in connected external systems—such as automakers' cloud platforms and drivers' mobile phones—has nearly tripled compared to the previous decade.

Today, cars essentially function as "computers on wheels." This means that security flaws located outside the vehicle's physical chassis create direct pathways for cyberattacks.

A car’s weakest spot may not be physical or mechanical because modern vehicles are increasingly connected computers on wheels.

Research shows that the most vulnerable entry points are often outside the physical vehicle itself, located in:

• Cloud services and apps: Car manufacturers store massive amounts of data and connect vehicles to external servers, apps, and websites. Security flaws in these cloud platforms or companion mobile apps can expose personal data, location tracking history, or remote vehicle controls.

• The infotainment system and Wi-Fi: A car's media and entertainment console is often tied directly into internal communication networks (like CAN buses). If the infotainment system lacks strict digital separation, hackers or local intruders connected to the car's Wi-Fi or Bluetooth can potentially bridge into critical systems like the brakes, steering, or accelerator.

• Third-party supply chains (Computer Chips): Many carmakers use identical computer processors and software components sourced from external third-party chip manufacturers. A single software vulnerability or "back door" discovered in a chip model can affect multiple vehicle brands and models simultaneously.

🌐 The shift in automotive vulnerabilities...Previously, most security flaws resided within the internal physical systems of the vehicles themselves. The current landscape shows a drastic transition driven by constant connectivity:

• Infotainment Systems: Multimedia hubs and integrated Wi-Fi networks remain major entry points. If these systems are not properly isolated from critical vehicle controls, hackers could move from the multimedia interface to gain physical control over the brakes, accelerator, and steering.

• Cloud Data Leaks: The risk is real and involves the exposure of sensitive information. For instance, a case brought to light in December 2024 revealed that GPS location data, addresses, and phone numbers associated with approximately 800,000 electric vehicles remained openly accessible on the internet for months due to a flaw in an automaker's cloud infrastructure.

• Shared Chip-Related Threats: Since different automakers often source computer chips from the same suppliers, a vulnerability discovered in the IT system of one specific model could be exploited by hackers to compromise vehicles from entirely different brands. 

🛠️ How to mitigate risks (driver responsibility)...While manufacturers must design a rigid separation between entertainment systems and vehicle control systems, researchers emphasize that car owners also play a crucial role in protection:

1. Prompt Updates: Install software updates as soon as the car’s dashboard or the manufacturer’s app prompts you to do so. These often fix serious security vulnerabilities.

2. Caution with AI Assistants: Avoid sharing overly personal information or passwords with in-car voice assistants. Like other AI systems, they can be manipulated to reveal data that was previously provided.

3. Strong Credentials: Use complex and robust passwords for any apps associated with your vehicle.

University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology

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BMW

BMW F 450 RR 2027

BMW has unveiled the new F 450 RR, designed to bring the style and riding character of its larger RR models to a lighter, more accessible package.

Inspired by the S 1000 RR, the new motorcycle features sharp bodywork lines, aerodynamic winglets, an aggressive forward-leaning stance, and signature LED lighting.

Its 420cc twin-cylinder engine produces 48 hp and 43 Nm of torque.

With a curb weight of 177 kg (ready to ride), the F 450 RR utilizes a tubular steel frame, a 43mm KYB front fork, and a KYB rear shock absorber. Braking is handled by a 310mm front disc paired with a four-piston Brembo caliper, supported by the ABS Pro system.

According to BMW, the bike accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 177 km/h.

Standard equipment includes "Rain," "Road," and "Race" riding modes, as well as traction control and Dynamic Brake Control.

Riders also benefit from a 6.5-inch TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, and a USB-C port. Higher-spec models feature adjustable Sport suspension, the Shift Assistant Pro system, and a customizable "Race Pro" riding mode. With a seat height of 790 mm, a 14-liter fuel tank, and a stated range of over 350 km, the F 450 RR is designed for both everyday riding and track use.

It also features specifications and equipment such as cornering ABS—with Brembo components at the front and ByBre at the rear—traction control, three riding modes (Rain, Road, and Race), heated grips, and a 6.5-inch full-color TFT display, among other elements already seen on its "siblings," the F 450 R and F 450 GS. The major differences in the F 450 RR lie in its sporty character and full-fairing design, which aligns with its positioning as a "mini superbike."

This concept is further reinforced by the full fairing, which even incorporates aerodynamic winglets—a feature typically reserved for high-displacement models. Other eye-catching details include a split-level, two-section seat for the rider and passenger, a short exhaust silencer positioned low on the bike, a muscular, high-set fuel tank, and stacked dual headlights flanked by daytime running lights (DRLs).

The overall package is designed to appeal to riders who dream of owning a full-blown superbike but, for various reasons—ranging from budget constraints to a lack of riding experience—are not yet in a position to do so.

In Europe, the F 450 RR will be accessible to beginner riders who hold an A2-category motorcycle license. Under these regulations, such riders are restricted to motorcycles with a maximum power output of 48 hp, among other requirements.

Beyond what has already been mentioned, the F 450 RR comes equipped with full-LED lighting, a six-speed transmission with chain final drive, an assist-and-slipper clutch, a quickshifter, a tubular frame, and Kayaba suspension—featuring 43mm inverted front forks. At the rear, there is also a Kayaba monoshock—both the front and rear suspension feature preload and rebound adjustability and 14 cm of travel—fitted with tires measuring 110/70 R17 at the front and 150/60 R17 at the rear. The motorcycle weighs 177 kilograms in running order, and the fuel tank has a 14-liter capacity. According to BMW, the average fuel consumption, using European-spec gasoline, is 26.3 km/l.

by Autonews

 

AUTONEWS

The future of the automotive sector will not be exclusively digital, nor will it be limited to the replacement of engines

The automotive sector is undergoing a profound transformation. Digitalization, the entry of new manufacturers, and electrification are redefining the vehicles we drive—as well as how we choose, purchase, finance, and use them. This is not merely a technological shift; it is a change in the business model.

For decades, buying a car was an essentially in-person process. Customers would visit dealerships, compare offers, negotiate, and test-drive vehicles. Today, much of the journey begins in the digital realm. Consumers research models, compare prices, simulate financing options, and consult reviews before ever contacting a salesperson.

This does not mean that dealerships have lost their relevance; rather, their role has evolved. Customers arrive better informed, demand transparency, and expect a seamless experience that bridges the gap between online and in-person interactions. Companies that treat digital channels as an isolated storefront—disconnected from inventory, sales teams, financing, and after-sales support—risk missing out on opportunities. The competitive advantage lies in integrating these touchpoints and leveraging data to make better decisions, all while remembering that trust is still built between people.

Digital channels have paved the way for remote sales, online trade-in valuations, and platforms for used vehicles. While consumers now have access to comparison tools, simply posting an advertisement cannot replace verifying a vehicle’s history, preparing the car for sale, or providing post-purchase support. Transparency must be embedded into the actual operations, rather than serving merely as a marketing promise.

In parallel, the transition toward electric vehicles is reshaping both the market offering and the rules of competition. Reducing emissions is an unavoidable objective, yet the pace of this transition depends on several factors: purchase price, the charging infrastructure, real-world driving range, residual value, and the financial capacity of both households and businesses. Those who have a garage and can charge their vehicles at home experience a different reality than those living in apartments without parking. A mobility policy that ignores these differences risks leaving people behind.

The choice should not be reduced to a simple contest between combustion engines and electric powertrains. It must take into account total cost, mileage, typical routes, and access to charging infrastructure. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids may be suitable in certain contexts, while electric vehicles (EVs) make sense for many—especially when charging is readily accessible. It is essential to provide accurate information and solutions tailored to actual usage, avoiding both uncritical enthusiasm and knee-jerk resistance.

International competition adds another dimension. Chinese manufacturers have been entering European markets rapidly, backed by industrial scale, advanced technology, and competitive pricing. While this pressure may accelerate innovation and make EVs more affordable, it also raises questions regarding fair competition, employment, and Europe’s own industrial capacity. The response should be neither reflexive protectionism nor an unstrategic, open-door approach; rather, it requires clear rules, investment in innovation, and a level playing field for all market participants.

The used-car market will also play a decisive role. For many families, it serves as the primary gateway to mobility. For electrification to reach a broader audience, there must be a robust market for pre-owned electric vehicles—one that offers reliable data on battery health, clear warranties, and predictable residual values. Without confidence in the resale process, the initial purchase price will remain a significant barrier.

This transformation demands new skill sets. Sales teams must master digital tools and provide advice tailored to each customer’s specific needs. Dealerships will need to balance efficiency and specialized expertise with a customer-centric, accessible approach; meanwhile, manufacturers must recognize that innovation extends well beyond the product itself.

The future of the automotive sector will not be defined solely by digitalization, nor will it be limited to the simple replacement of engines. Instead, it will be built upon the ability to integrate technology, services, sustainability, and trust. The transition to electric vehicles will only be successful if it is economically viable and socially inclusive. Likewise, digitalization will only create value if it makes the experience more transparent and useful. In a rapidly changing market, competitive advantage will not lie merely in selling different types of cars, but in gaining a better understanding of who buys them—and why.

The future of the automotive sector will not be exclusively digital, nor will it boil down to a simple swap of combustion engines for electric ones, because mobility is undergoing a complete physical, economic, and behavioral restructuring. While electrification and connectivity are key pillars, the true transformation involves the reconfiguration of cities, new ownership models, a circular economy, and the physical reality of infrastructure.

Below are the main reasons why the automotive future is far more complex than just "screens and batteries," broken down into three essential pillars:

1. The barrier of physics and physical infrastructure:

• Limitations of the electrical grid: The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) requires a massive overhaul of global energy networks. Cities and roads need billions in investment to support the simultaneous charging of millions of vehicles, making the process a gradual one that depends on the specific realities of each country.

• The global energy mix: Replacing a car’s engine with a battery does not solve the environmental problem if the energy powering it comes from coal- or gas-fired power plants. The future requires a focus on the source of the energy—ensuring it is clean and renewable—rather than just looking at the vehicle's tailpipe.

• The geopolitics of raw materials: Dependence on critical minerals (such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel) creates production bottlenecks and geopolitical tensions. This compels the industry to explore hybrid alternatives, synthetic fuels (e-fuels), and biofuels (such as ethanol), demonstrating that the combustion engine will likely have a long future ahead in optimized forms.

2. Digitalization does not replace the physical experience:

• Hardware and mechanical safety: A car remains a physical object weighing over a ton that moves at high speeds. Materials engineering, impact safety, aerodynamics, and dynamic comfort (suspension, tires, brakes) remain the heart of automotive manufacturing. Software may manage the car, but it is the hardware that protects lives.

• Digital fatigue and privacy: The trend of turning cars into "smartphones on wheels" is beginning to face resistance. Consumers and safety regulators are calling for the return of physical buttons for basic functions to prevent driver distraction. Furthermore, concerns regarding data privacy and cyberattacks are limiting the full digitization of certain critical functions.

3. The revolution in business models and ownership:

• A culture of access versus ownership: The future of the sector is not merely about selling a new car with a different type of engine. Younger generations prioritize "Mobility as a Service" (MaaS). The focus is shifting from vehicle ownership to vehicle usage (through subscriptions, car-sharing, and autonomous transport).

• Circular economy and genuine sustainability: A vehicle's environmental impact is now measured across its entire life cycle—from raw material extraction to recycling. The future demands the creation of cars that can be easily upgraded, repaired, and recycled, countering the planned obsolescence so common in the digital market.

The future of the automotive sector will not be exclusively digital, nor will it boil down to simply swapping internal combustion engines for electric ones, because cars remain deeply rooted in physical reality, manufacturing complexity, and human emotion.

While software and electrification are massive disruptors, the transformation of the industry is far more multidimensional. Here is why the future is much broader than just "computers on electric wheels."

1. The physical reality of manufacturing and hardware:

A car is a two-ton piece of safety-critical hardware that must operate reliably for decades in extreme weather conditions.

• The "Hardware Still Matters" Rule: No matter how advanced the software is, a car still requires precision engineering for its chassis, suspension, aerodynamics, and crash structures to keep passengers safe.

• Manufacturing Scaling: Building millions of physical vehicles efficiently is incredibly difficult. Tech companies often struggle with the capital-intensive reality of automotive factories, proving that digital expertise cannot replace manufacturing mastery.

• Material Innovations: The future relies heavily on physical sciences—developing lightweight composites, advanced alloys, and sustainable interior materials (like mushroom leather or recycled ocean plastics).

2. Beyond engine swaps: A total architecture redesign:

Simply putting a battery where an engine used to be is a transitional phase. The true future lies in completely reimagining how vehicles are built and used.

• Structural Integration: Next-generation vehicles use "megacastings" and structural battery packs, where the battery is the floor and chassis of the car, completely changing vehicle design.

• Circular Economy: The shift isn't just about zero emissions during driving; it is about the entire lifecycle. The future demands vehicles designed for "remanufacturing"—where batteries, motors, and structural parts are easily disassembled, recycled, and reused.

• Alternative Powertrains: Electrification via lithium-ion batteries is not the only answer. Heavy transport, shipping, and certain regions will rely on a mix of hydrogen fuel cells and e-fuels (synthetic fuels).

3. The digital bottleneck and human boundaries:

While digital features (like autonomous driving and connected cockpits) are growing, they face hard limits.

• The Autonomy Plateau: Achieving true Level 5 (complete) autonomy has proven to be an immense physical and computational challenge. Human drivers will remain essential for a long time, meaning vehicle design must still cater to human control and ergonomics.

• Digital Fatigue and Safety: Physical buttons are making a comeback. Drivers are experiencing "screen fatigue," and regulatory bodies are beginning to penalize automakers who hide critical safety functions (like wipers or defrosting) inside deep digital menus.

4. Changing models of ownership and mobility:

The future isn't just about what the car is, but how we interact with transportation.

• Intermodal Mobility: Cars will increasingly exist as part of a broader ecosystem, seamlessly connecting with public transit, micro-mobility (e-bikes/scooters), and urban infrastructure.

• Subscription vs. Passion: While urban areas might lean toward shared, utilitarian autonomous pods, a massive segment of the market will remain fiercely protective of private vehicle ownership for freedom, privacy, and status.

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AUTONEWS

Fiat 500 Hybrid review

Having finally discontinued the petrol 500 in August 2024, it had expected the new-shape, electric 500e to pick up the mantle. What happened instead was an utter collapse in sales, as buyers defected to petrol alternatives such as the Kia Picanto or something larger.

That forced the Mirafiori plant – Fiat’s crown jewel, in its home town of Turin – to idle for months, building precisely zero cars and furloughing workers while dealers cleared their surplus of 500es.

With the power of hindsight, Fiat Europe boss Gaetano Thorel calls the electric-only move “suicide”.

To right the ship, Fiat opted to perform the unprecedented and convert a bespoke EV to ICE power. That meant both 500 variants could be built on the same production line, giving Mirafiori the shot in the arm it desperately needed.

Twenty months after making that bold decision, Fiat’s efforts have borne fruit.

The conversion required the near-total redevelopment of the 500e: new subframes are located at the front and rear ends to accommodate a petrol engine and six-speed manual gearbox, and a fuel tank has been subbed in for the EV’s traction battery.

Even with the 500e’s diminutive motor removed, space under the bonnet was severely limited. The 1.2-litre Puretech petrol engine deployed in a range of Stellantis models, including the larger Fiat Grande Panda, simply wouldn’t have fit. Developing something bespoke would have been too costly.

That left the naturally aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder used by the previous 500 Hybrid and updated for the Italian-market Panda in 2024 as the only option. This includes a 12V starter-generator hybrid system, and puts out a total of 64bhp and 68lb ft.

Inside, there’s a revised dashboard to accommodate a gearlever, mounted high as in the previous 500.

Otherwise, the 500 Hybrid looks almost identical to the EV, with its front end only gaining a 'moustache' grille to provide sufficient cooling to the engine and its gubbins.

The Fiat 500 Hybrid range at a glance...There's only one engine and gearbox combo available – no automatic option, as that would have been too costly for Fiat to engineer – leaving you to choose from one of three trims.

Entry-level Icon brings 16in alloy wheels, LED headlights, a black cloth interior and rear parking sensors.

For a limited time, you'll also be able to opt for the Torino trim, named after Fiat's home town. This builds on Icon with special badging and cloth and vinyl upholstery.

Stepping up to the range-topping La Prima upsizes the alloys to 17in, brings faux-leather upholstery with neat 'cannelloni' stitching, and adds heating for the seats and windscreen and a reversing camera.

The interior is a mixed bag. The topology and design carried over from the 500e work well, and it has a much greater sense of solidity than the old 500.

The 10.25in infotainment touchscreen feels slightly overwhelmed by the density of icons, but once you’ve figured out the layout, it’s plenty responsive. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring is standard.

The digital instrument display has a nice big tacho and speedo, although some testers had to set the steering wheel high so as not to block their view of the gauges. Our test car didn’t have height adjustment for the seat, either, which made for an uncomfortable experience after more than half an hour.

Another issue with the driving position is that, while there's plenty of room for the clutch pedal in a left-hand-drive car, the right-hand footwell is very tight. As a result, there's only just enough room for three pedals, and the footrest is tiny.

Visibility isn't great. The rear screen is narrow and the C-pillar's thickness means there's a huge blindspot over your shoulder. It's just as well that Fiat fits huge side mirrors, which help to mitigate this problem somewhat.

Being a tiny city car, there isn't much room for rear passengers. This is a four-seater, freeing up some room widthways for rear passengers, though their legs will feel cramped after more than a short run.

Access to the back is also compromised by the three-door layout. Although mainland European buyers are offered a novel 'three plus one' bodystyle with a small rear door mounted on the passenger side, this won't be offered in the UK because it would be too expensive to develop a new bodyshell – effectively flipped over to suit right-hand drive – for a single market.

The boot, meanwhile, is as tight as you'd expect from such a compact car. There's room for a few large backpacks or three carry-on suitcases, but bigger loads will require you to fold down the rear seats.

Given that the 500 Hybrid weighs around 1050kg, about 100kg more than previous, simpler models, it’s easy to see why its top speed is a meagre 96mph and why it takes 16.2sec to accelerate from 0-62mph. This is nearly double the time needed by the bigger-battery 500e (the more popular of the two electric versions in the UK), which has no less than 85% more power.

The 500 Hybrid immediately feels very familiar to drive, especially for those used to the old 500’s high seating and its well-defined, slightly long-throw six-speed gearchange.

But as soon as you start driving seriously, you realise three things: this car has a lamentable lack of mid-range power for anything but tootling about in 30mph traffic. Its (pleasant-sounding) three-pot engine needs to be used hard just to stay with traffic on B-roads.

What’s more, it’s fundamentally overgeared for British use. You hardly ever see fifth and sixth gears and advice from the ‘change up’ light on the dashboard must be ignored at all times.

The quality of the gearchange itself is pleasant enough. The lever’s mounted high, and the large, round knob makes for comfortable changes but the throw is long and heavy.

The ride is decent for such a short and stout car, and seems to have become slightly quieter with age. Although you’re never completely isolated from the road’s surface, it does a good job of taking the bite out of bigger shocks.

The trade-off is a fair amount of body lean through fast or tight bends and a hint of floatiness over crests, but it feels well judged for a car that will trundle around cities most of the time.

''The way this new 500 dispatches big bumps is a massive improvement on the old car, feeling like a much stronger, tougher car'' Charlie Martin''...Senior Staff Writer

Similarly, the steering is fingertip-light and devoid of feedback, but that makes the car especially easy to manoeuvre around multi-storey car parks and tight urban bends.

It's also precise, so you can place the car exactly where you'd like it through faster bends. That makes it easy – even enjoyable – to carve a smooth line and conserve as much momentum as you possibly can.

With prices from £18,995 and WLTP fuel economy of 53.3mpg, the Fiat 500 Hybrid is one of the cheapest and most frugal cars on sale. However, the Kia Picanto is available for almost £2000 less, a Dacia Sandero is still under £15,000, and there's an increasing number of sub-£20,000 electric options. Fiat is offering a £1775 deposit contribution for PCP finance, which should keep the monthlies affordable. 

In our testing, the 500 returned economy in the high 40s, which is decent enough, though you can get more from (more expensive) hybrid options. It's also worth noting that the new 500 Hybrid's economy is a retrograde step compared with the previous car's, which was 55mpg in the real world. That's because the new one uses exactly the same engine but is 86kg heavier, so it has to work harder.

Reporters: Charlie Martin & Steve Cropley & Illya Verpraet

AUTONEWS

Car repairs become a true luxury: Parts twice as expensive as ten years ago

Car owners across Europe are facing an increasingly heavy financial burden, as vehicle maintenance has become a significant luxury. Over the past decade, the prices of spare parts have seen a dramatic surge—far outpacing the general inflation rate. This wave of price hikes is not only driving up repair bills astronomically but is also directly pushing insurance premiums higher.

Between August 2025 and August 2026 alone, the cost of components rose by more than four percent. Beyond the complexity of the technology involved—and the fact that modern cars contain up to 50 percent more parts than they did a decade ago—the primary culprit lies in legislation that grants manufacturers a virtual monopoly in the market.

Parts Prices Up by More Than 80 Percent! A detailed study by the German Insurance Association (GDV) analyzed price trends for 20 visible body components most frequently damaged in accidents—such as fenders, doors, side panels, and hoods. The results are staggering: since 2016, the price of spare parts has increased by an average of more than 80 percent! Data shows that parts prices grew at an annual rate of 5.9 percent, while the average annual inflation rate during the same period was only 2.8 percent. This serves as irrefutable proof that the rising cost of auto parts far exceeds the actual increase in the cost of living, reports “Klix.ba”. The costs of vehicle servicing and repairs are spiraling out of control. Over the last decade, the prices of certain components—such as rear quarter panels, front doors, or trunk lids—have effectively doubled. Experts point to strict industrial design protection laws as the primary driver of this unchecked price surge. Due to these regulations, exterior parts like side mirrors, light assemblies, or bumpers can generally only be sourced through the car manufacturers' official distribution networks.

Independent manufacturers are legally prohibited from bringing cheaper, alternative components to market under the same conditions. With virtually no competition, car companies are free to dictate prices as they see fit. Headlights serve as a striking example: their price has jumped by a staggering 82 percent since 2016, reaching an average cost of an incredible 1,330 euros apiece today!

New headlights cost an average of 1,330 euros!...This situation has also dealt a severe blow to insurance companies. The costs of repairing damage following traffic accidents have become so high that, on several occasions, payouts have exceeded the total revenue collected from premiums. When these exorbitant parts prices are combined with rising labor costs at repair shops, higher painting expenses, and the sophisticated sensors embedded within bumpers, insurers are left with no choice but to increase the cost of both comprehensive (casco) and mandatory vehicle insurance. Ultimately, the entire cost of this monopoly falls directly on the wallets of ordinary drivers.

The price of replacement parts in Europe has skyrocketed over the past decade, with many common automotive and industrial components now costing up to 90% more than they did ten years ago.

This massive price surge is driven by a combination of rapid technological complexity, strict European legal protections, and deep structural economic shifts.

1. Exponential rise in technological complexity...Ten years ago, a minor front-end accident on a car required replacing basic metal, plastic, and glass. Today, those exact same parts are packed with high-tech equipment:

• Sensors and Cameras: Modern bumpers and windshields now house radar sensors, cameras, and driving assistance systems (ADAS). A simple bumper or glass replacement now requires replacing and complexly calibrating these digital components.

• Advanced Lighting: Traditional, cheap halogen headlights have been replaced by complex, dynamic LED cornering systems that can cost thousands of euros to replace.

2. Design monopolies and lack of competition...For years, European automakers utilized strict design protection laws to block independent manufacturers from producing cheaper, visually identical replacement parts (such as doors, fenders, and mirrors). This effectively granted original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) a monopoly on visible replacement parts, allowing them to raise prices much faster than inflation.

(Note: While the EU recently passed a "Right to Repair" reform to exempt spare parts from design protection, the effects are only beginning to phase into national laws).

3. Over-engineering and manufacturer-specific Customization...European automotive and industrial design favors heavy customization over standardization.

• Unlike Asian manufacturers who often share a standard "parts bin" across dozens of models and generations, European brands rely heavily on highly specialized, high-tolerance components.

• Lower production volumes per specific part mean higher manufacturing costs per unit, which are passed directly to the consumer.

4. Skyrocketing material and global shipping costs...The underlying costs of manufacturing and moving parts have spiked due to consecutive global crises:

• The Energy Squeeze: Following the loss of cheap Russian gas, electricity and gas remain significantly more expensive for European factories than a decade ago, driving up the cost of refining steel, aluminum, and plastics.

• Freight and Supply Chains: Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and global supply chain disruptions have heavily inflated shipping and freight charges, making overseas components much pricier to import into Europe

Direct comparison: A decade of price shifts...The German Insurance Association (GDV) and major European insurers have tracked how specific component categories have risen compared to general inflation:

Component Category	Price Shift (Past 10 Years)	Primary Driver
Visible Body Parts (Bumpers, Grilles)	+70% to +75%	Design monopolies and integration of parking sensors.
Windshields / Glass	+80% to +90%	Embedded ADAS cameras, rain sensors, and heads-up displays.
Lighting Systems (Headlamps)	Over +45%	Shift from static halogen bulbs to matrix/dynamic LED tech.
Mechanical Wear Items (Clutches, Brakes)	+35% to +40%	Surging costs of raw steel, rubber, and manufacturing energy.