Author: Donald B. Smith

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Donald Smith, Automotive Reporter at automotive.fyi, holds a degree in Journalism from Michigan State University. With a keen interest in the automotive industry, Donald is dedicated to uncovering the latest breaking news and delivering it to our audience. His commitment to thorough research and engaging storytelling ensures you stay informed about the most important developments in the automotive world.

FYI: The Workpac Racing team from Malacca, Malaysia, is setting their sights on breaking the eight-second barrier in the quarter-mile with their meticulously prepared Mitsubishi Lancer GSR Evolution III. Run Fast, Run Cool: The Spectacular Journey of Workpac Racing’s Evo III When it comes to blending style with speed, Hadri Hamzah of Workpac Racing has set a new standard. Operating out of Malacca, Malaysia, the team has elevated their Mitsubishi Lancer GSR Evolution III to become an international drag racing sensation. The Quest for Speed Meeting Hadri Hamzah at Retro Havoc this year offered a glimpse into the passion and…

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Lanzante to Create Road-Legal Version of the Red Bull RB17 Hypercar A New Evolution in Hypercars In a thrilling development for automotive enthusiasts, Lanzante has announced it will produce a road-legal version of the Red Bull RB17, a hypercar initially designed solely for the track. Production of the RB17 is set to begin in 2025. From Concept to Road Revealed as a concept only last week, the Red Bull RB17 has already captured the imagination of car aficionados. Designed by the legendary F1 engineer Adrian Newey, the RB17 aims to surpass the performance of current F1 race cars. Although Newey…

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Bentley Flying Spur to Feature Advanced V8 Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Bentley Motors is taking a significant step forward in its journey toward electrification by announcing that the Flying Spur sedan will soon be available with a high-performance hybrid powertrain. This new V8 plug-in hybrid system, known as the Ultra Performance Hybrid Powertrain, will be derived from the Continental GT Coupe and integrated into the refreshed Flying Spur. New Hybrid Powertrain Announcement Bentley confirmed on Thursday that the updated Flying Spur Speed, set to debut later this year, will incorporate this state-of-the-art hybrid technology. While the exact release date remains undisclosed,…

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Historic Hawaii Mars Flying Boat Prepares for Final Voyage Being a firefighter is undeniably one of the most thrilling and impactful jobs, and aerial firefighting takes it a step further. Once, firefighters soared over undisturbed wilderness to safeguard it from advancing flames. Now, an iconic figure in North American aerial firefighting, the WWII-era Hawaii Mars flying boat, is primed for its final journey. The Legendary Hawaii Mars The Hawaii Mars, operated by Coulson Aviation, has been a staple in Canadian firefighting missions since 2007. This enormous seaplane, a Martin JRM Mars aircraft, was originally designed for the U.S. Navy during…

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Koenigsegg Gemera Update: V8 Now the Standard, Ditching the Three-Cylinder The Koenigsegg Gemera, a revolutionary four-seater hybrid hypercar, is making headlines again. Koenigsegg has decided to replace the much-anticipated three-cylinder engine with a V8, responding to customer preferences. This shift marks a significant change in the Gemera’s lineup, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to meeting customer demands. Transition from Three-Cylinder to V8 Originally, the Gemera was set to feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline three-cylinder engine known as the Tiny Friendly Giant (TFG). This engine, in combination with the hybrid system, could deliver an astonishing 1,400 horsepower. However, in a recent interview…

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Hurricane Beryl has wreaked havoc in Houston, leading to extensive power outages and leaving temperatures soaring into the 90s. The dire situation has drawn utility workers from across the nation to aid in the city’s power restoration efforts. However, instead of encountering grateful residents, many of these workers have faced threats, assaults, and even gunfire. The situation has reached a critical point, prompting Texas Governor Greg Abbott to address the escalating crisis, as reported by Click2Houston. I need a car to make my commute easier | WCSYB? Authorities have already made at least one arrest after a resident pointed a…

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Rumor: Toyota Eyes Return to F1 with Potential Haas Partnership Image: Toyota After an eight-year stint in Formula 1 that ended in 2009, Toyota could be gearing up for a return to the high-octane world of F1 racing. Industry whispers suggest that the Japanese automotive giant is considering a partnership with the American team, Haas F1, as a route back into the sport. This collaboration could see Toyota’s Motorsport Division, Gazoo Racing, joining forces with Haas to leverage their world-class facilities in Cologne, Germany, which boasts two state-of-the-art wind tunnels. Revving Up Haas with Gazoo Racing Tech Performance Boost Through…

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Image: Scott Olson (Getty Images) A wave of cyberattacks that targeted CDK Global in June has triggered a substantial lawsuit from several car dealerships and related businesses. The attack impacted CDK’s financial services at various dealerships across the United States. The plaintiffs argue that CDK’s alleged lax security measures were a direct cause of their substantial business losses. I need a car to make my commute easier | WCSYB? According to sources from Automotive News, Manderbach Ford from Hamburg, Pennsylvania, and DLR Auto Group from Agoura Hills, California, are among the plaintiffs. The lawsuit, filed on July 12, holds CDK…

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Unleashing the Classic: The 1989 Plymouth Voyager SE Turbo When Chrysler introduced the first minivan, it revolutionized the family car market with its family-friendly features, car-like handling, and affordable pricing. These attributes garnered a dedicated fanbase and inspired numerous imitators within the automotive industry. Among the standout models of this era is the 1989 Plymouth Voyager SE, currently available on Bring A Trailer. This minivan may just change your perception of family vehicles. Unique Features of the 1989 Plymouth Voyager SE Turbo This particular Voyager SE is no ordinary family hauler. Under its hood lies a revamped 2.5-liter turbocharged inline…

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Google’s Innovation: Content-Aware Audio Navigation for Google Maps In a groundbreaking development, Google is exploring new depths in navigation technology with a feature that could revolutionize user experience on the road. The newly discovered patent, first noted by Auto Evolution, reveals Google’s ambition to integrate "content-aware audio navigation" into Google Maps. While the tech giant hasn’t officially confirmed this evolution, the patent — initially filed in 2020 — was unveiled by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on July 16, 2024. The Concept of Content-Aware Audio Navigation The innovative feature arises from the growing need to harmonize multiple…

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