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In today’s edition, we look at how Boston is leveraging AI to tackle traffic congestion, and why police departments are turning to electric vehicles to keep up with high-speed chases. Plus, don't miss the internet buzz over a mysterious Porsche spotted at LAX. As always, if you enjoy our newsletter, feel free to share it with friends!

AUTO INDUSTRY NEWS

Boston Is Using AI for Good to Fix Stop-and-Go Traffic

Boston has seen a reduction in traffic congestion and emissions by utilizing AI software to analyze traffic patterns and signal timing data, with the help of Google Research's Green Light project. Four intersections in the city have been optimized based on the software's recommendations, resulting in a 50% reduction in stop-and-go traffic at two key intersections, and contributing to a 10% reduction in emissions worldwide among Green Light city partners.

Police Diversify With EVs As Combustion Engine Just Can’t Keep Up

As electric vehicle ownership increases, police departments across the U.S. are finding that traditional combustion engine police vehicles, like the Dodge Charger Pursuit, are being outpaced by electric vehicles during pursuits, leading to a need for fleet diversification. A recent report cites instances of suspects eluding officers in electric vehicles, prompting more departments to incorporate electric police pursuit vehicles, such as the Mustang Mach-E GT and the Blazer EV, into their fleets.

Hyundai’s Anti-Theft Update Is Working, But Thieves Are Still Trying

The Kia Challenge, a viral trend on TikTok that taught viewers how to steal Kia and Hyundai vehicles, led to a significant increase in thefts of these cars, resulting in damages and fatalities. In response, the automakers introduced a software update that included an electronic immobilizer, reducing theft claims by 53% and whole vehicle theft by 64%, although theft rates for these brands remain higher than the industry average.

The Beloved Duramax Engine Has Just Gotten Killed, What Will GM Use in Its Place?

GM has ceased production of its 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax engine, popular for its high torque and fuel efficiency, due to increasingly stringent emission regulations. The engine, which was used in GM's full-size SUVs and pickup trucks, will be replaced in the 2025 Suburban and Tahoe models by the more potent and fuel-efficient 3.0-liter inline-six LZ0 turbodiesel engine, while the updated 2025 Cadillac Escalade has completely eliminated diesel power.

A city with little transit, LA wants to host a ‘no-car’ 2028 Olympic games: here’s how

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has announced plans for a "no-car Games" for the 2028 Olympics, with attendees using public transport instead of private cars. To make this possible, the city is working on expanding its public transportation system, including a plan to complete 28 different transit projects before the Games, and is encouraging local businesses to reduce car traffic by focusing on remote work and shifting working schedules.

Nissan hints at the return of the legendary GT-R as an EV sports car

Nissan's global product strategy officer, Ivan Espinosa, hinted at the possibility of an electric Nissan GT-R, following the unveiling of the Hyper Force EV concept that boasts up to 1,341 horsepower. The company's NISMO racing team is set to make a comeback in EV form in Europe with the new Nissan Ariya Nismo, and the discontinuation of the GT-R Nismo in the region and the R35 GT-R in the US could pave the way for an electric GT-R revival.

New 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe leaked - pictures

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is set to receive a series of updates inspired by the latest 1 Series, including similar visual tweaks. The updated model, which combines premium appeal with excellent driving dynamics, is currently available for lease at under £300 per month.

MOTORSPORT

Audi contender insists RB 2025 pairing 'obvious'

Red Bull is set to announce next month whether New Zealand driver Liam Lawson will replace Daniel Ricciardo in the 2025 RB seat, a move that Formula 2 and McLaren junior driver Gabriel Bortoleto believes is "obvious". Meanwhile, Bortoleto himself is reportedly being considered for a seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg in the Stake F1/Audi team, a prospect that has come as a pleasant surprise to the Brazilian driver.

Gran Turismo World Series Prague: Ferrari and Gallo Win After Late Dramas

The first Gran Turismo World Series live event in Prague saw some of the closest finishes in the series' history, with the two championships poised for a thrilling end of the season. Newcomer Mohamed Buhdeima, driving a Ferrari 458 Gr. 3, surprised many by securing pole position and winning the Manufacturers Cup event. Valerio Gallo survived a chaotic race ending to take victory in the Nations Cup, though Coque Lopez still leads in the standings.

Rwanda 'ready' to host F1 return to Africa

Rwanda has expressed interest in hosting a Formula 1 race, marking a potential return of the sport to Africa after a 30-year hiatus since the 1993 South African Grand Prix. Automobile Club of Rwanda president Christian Gakwaya confirmed the country's readiness to host the event, aligning with a national strategy to leverage sports for economic transformation, with a meeting scheduled between F1 and Rwandan delegates in late September to explore the possibility.

Perez dealt career blow by McLaren driver

Despite signing a new 1+1 year contract with Red Bull, Sergio Perez's underperformance this season has led to speculation about his future with the team, particularly from Formula 2 and McLaren junior driver Gabriel Bortoleto. Bortoleto, who is second in the F2 standings and has a long-term contract with McLaren, believes Perez will not be racing for Red Bull next season due to his lackluster results.

Mercedes hint at ‘significant changes’ with 2025 F1 car

Mercedes plans to make "significant changes" to its 2025 F1 car, despite stable regulations, as it seeks to improve performance following recent successes. The company's trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, stated that decisions are being made under the cost cap, and while the car will largely be an evolution of the current model, major changes will be implemented, particularly in aerodynamics.

FUN STUFF

The Internet's Gone Crazy Over a Porsche Spotted at LAX, Not Even Porsche Knows What It Is

A mysterious car resembling a Porsche was spotted at the Los Angeles International Airport, sparking online speculation about its origins and model. Despite sharing design elements with the 993 GT1 Strassenversion, a limited-run, street-legal version of the 911 GT1 race car from 1997, the car's unique features and Porsche's own claim of ignorance about the vehicle have left its identity and origin a mystery.

This Dude Is Firing Real-Life Mario Kart Shells From His Little Suzuki

YouTuber Alex Corea, known as No Bitrate, embarked on a project to create a real-life version of the weaponized shell from the video game Mario Kart, documenting the process in a 35-minute video. The project involved multiple trials and errors, including recalculating the shell's speed to between 236 and 275 mph, modifying the shell for aerodynamics and stability, and testing the shell rocket on a stationary and moving vehicle, ultimately resulting in a successful hit on a second-generation Nissan Quest.

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