While Brabus is best known as a premier aftermarket Mercedes-Benz tuner, it has also maintained a 50:50 joint venture with Daimler since 2001, channeling its expertise into customizing models from the Smart family. Brabus, the same brand responsible for turning AMG monsters into even bigger monsters, has now turned its attention to the Smart #3 that benefits from a raft of modifications.

It goes squarely against the class-leading Tesla Model Y Performance, but also rivals slightly more premium offerings like the BMW iX3 and Genesis GV60 Performance. It’s just landed in Australia and is being sold online and through Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide. Does it have the goods to be a serious player in this segment?

QUICK FACTS

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Competitive Pricing

On price, the #3 Brabus is a compelling option, something I’d never thought I’d say for a vehicle that’s half German. This flagship model starts at AU$70,900 (~$45,200), making it quite a bit pricier than the entry-level Smart #3 starting at AU$57,900 (~$36,900), and the mid-range Smart #3 Premium, which kicks off at AU$61,900 (~$39,500). However, when you look at the competition, the Brabus starts to make a lot of sense.

Locally, a Tesla Model Y Performance starts at AU$84,700 (~$54,000), and while it has a little bit more power, it’s not as quick as the Brabus. Other alternatives are significantly more expensive, including the entry-level BMW iX3 (AU$89,100 / $36,900) and the much more premium Genesis GV60 Performance, which starts at around AU$110,000 (~$70,000). A compelling alternative to the Brabus #3 that will launch shortly is the mechanically-related Zeekr X.

Both the Smart #3 and Zeekr share the same platform, as does the Volvo EX30, and the equivalent flagship X AWD will start at AU$64,900 (~$41,400). For now, however, the Brabus is hard to beat in terms of price and performance.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Smart Nailed The Quality

Smart has done a fine job of making the #3’s interior feel fitting of the price tag. It’s a lot more interesting than the bland cabin of the Model Y and is mostly covered in nice materials. Admittedly, there’s a little too much hard black plastic on the door panels, but the rest of the interior does have a German and premium feel to it.

Immediately catching the eye is the layout of the #3. The trio of circular air vents in the center of the dashboard are classic Mercedes-Benz and the central spine running from the dash to the center console is finished in plastic with a silver finish, aiming to imitate metal. It does a pretty good job, and hidden behind a flap under the air vents is a wireless phone charger and two USB ports. The cup holders are also hidden beneath a sliding cover.

Standing out is a 12.8-inch tablet-like infotainment system. It takes after Tesla and many Chinese cars, adopting an operating system more reminiscent of a smartphone than a normal car system. That means it’s filled with an array of different menus, display screens, and seemingly endless settings. I didn’t like it when I first got in, but after two days or so, I was won over. Less tech-savvy buyers may have a harder time, however.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

The main display screen consists of a handful of widgets, including one shaped like the Earth for navigation, a media screen, details about driving consumption, weather, and your current driving mode. Scroll over, and you’re taken to an apps screen. Important vehicle settings are then accessed by pressing the vehicle button on the bottom right of the screen, while a strip of handy shortcuts house all the climate control settings.

Read: Smart #3 Brabus Gains Extra Dose Of Brabusness

Positioned below the screen are six shortcut buttons, although they don’t provide haptic feedback, which is a shame. The most important is positioned on the far left and includes quick settings to the lane assist, auto hold, electric parking brake, rear foglight, hill descent control, traction control, and a setting for the one-pedal driving mode, known as s-Pedal. You can also choose between three other regenerative braking settings and enable the ‘Rocket Launch’ control system on this screen. A separate shortcut is used to toggle between the driving modes. Both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.

A Spacious And Well-Equipped Cabin

Positioned in front of the driver is a three-spoke steering wheel with metal spokes and bathed in black leather and Alcantara. There’s also a narrow instrument display that shows important information like your speed, range, and multimedia. It’s not as good as a full instrument cluster, but it’s better than nothing (like in a Tesla). A large head-up display is also a nice feature you won’t find in a Model Y.

The front seats are electrically adjustable, offer plenty of adjustment, and have heated and cooled functions. They also have quite an intriguing shape and are wrapped in plush leather and Alcantara. As for the second row, legroom is good even for taller passengers. The headroom is adequate but not as good as a Model Y, although that’s hardly a surprise given the car’s slightly lower roofline. Other nice touches include metal speaker grilles and door handles – not something you’ll always find at this price point.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Other welcome features of the cabin include a decent 640-watt Beats audio system and a 360-degree camera. A highly configurable ambient lighting system, very similar to those of current Mercedes-Benz models, is also standard.

All Brabus #3 models also have a massive panoramic glass roof as standard. Unfortunately, Smart has taken a leaf from the Tesla playbook and has not provided a sunshade for this glass panel. While it’s well-tinted, heat still gets in, and it doesn’t completely block out the sun, which is annoying on hot summer days.

All of the climate control settings are housed within the screen. While they’re easy to access, the icons you have to press are a little too small, making it annoying while on the move. Settings for the seat heating and cooling are miniature.

Storage is adequate with a 370-liter (13 cubic-foot) boot or 1,160 liters (40.9 cubic-feet) with the rear seats folded down. There’s also a hidden cubby at the back for charging cables and a 15-liter (0.5 cubic-foot) frunk.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Great Performance, But Could Do With Stickier Tires

The Brabus #3 is a good drive but does have some peculiarities. All #3 models feature a 66 kWh lithium nickel cobalt manganese battery pack under the floor that drives a pair of electric motors. All up, the EV delivers a punchy 422 hp (315 kW) and 543 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque, allowing it to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds (the same as a Model Y Performance), according to Smart. We recorded a best time of 3.59 seconds with a GPS timer and the ‘Rocket Launch’ setting enabled.

In typical EV fashion, it fires off the line with impressive pace, having no struggle putting all of its power to the ground. When seeking the best performance, it’s a good idea to select either the Sport or Brabus driving modes, as they sharpen up the throttle response and unleash all the power. Eco and Comfort modes are also offered, which are better suited to everyday driving.

The steering feel is next to non-existent, although it does tighten up in the sportier of the four steering settings. Even still, it can be a little tough to feel what the front tires are up to. Speaking of the tires, they’re Continental EcoContact 6Qs at all four corners, measuring 245/40 R20. While they are quiet, they have been designed for economical driving and aren’t all that well-suited to the Brabus. Push the SUV hard into a corner, and the tires will start to slip and screech quite quickly. We’d prefer some slightly stickier tires to come standard.

The ride is good. Plenty of EVs are too stiff, but the #3 is comfortable and plush. It’s not quite as soft as a Model Y, however.

Lots Of ADAS – And A Few Foibles

Four different levels of regenerative braking are available, including a one-pedal mode known as s-Pedal. During my week with the Brabus, I predominantly drove it in s-Pedal mode, and it works just as advertised. If driven with the brake regen in the low, medium, or high settings, the feel through the brake pedal can be a little inconsistent. It seems like the car will subtly and quickly grab the brakes, then release them, and then grab them again, repeatedly, even if you keep consistent pressure on the pedal. It’s hard to pick, and most drivers probably won’t even notice, but it suggests some additional fine-tuning is needed to smooth out the transition from the brake regen to the friction brakes.

We also experienced a couple of small electronic issues. The car repeatedly displayed a warning saying the driver monitoring system was blocked, even though it wasn’t. Additionally, the one-pedal driving mode would sometimes work seamlessly in the Sport and Brabus driving models, while other times, it wouldn’t slow the EV to a stop. There’s also an annoying chime whenever you exceed the speed limit, and it has to be disabled each time you drive.

Plenty of driver-assistance systems come standard, including adaptive cruise control and self-steering on highways. This system performed flawlessly on the highway during our week with the EV. During everyday driving, the lane-keeping assistant can be a little over-eager to provide steering corrections but can be easily disabled with two presses of the screen.

Verdict

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with the driving experience offered by the Brabus #3. It’s just as quick as some more expensive rivals, is smooth and quiet on the daily grind, and looks very stylish.

A downside of the small 66 kWh pack is the limited range. Smart says it’ll do 415 km (258 miles) on a charge, but a figure of around 350-370 km (217-230 miles) is more accurate if driven sedately. We averaged 19.2 kWh/100 km during our time with it. If it had a bigger battery pack, nearer the 80 kWh mark to boost the range to 450 km – 500 km (280 – 311 miles), the Smart #3 Brabus might be the best option in this segment. As it stands, it’s an excellent buy for the money – just make sure you have a home charger.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Tesla has made its colorful wrap options for the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck significantly cheaper in the States, and it now seems poised to offer a wider range of color choices too. But, because this is Tesla we’re talking about, after all, we can’t have nice things without a catch. The company has ditched its pricier, higher-quality Paint Protection Film (PPF) wraps in favor of the more basic (read: cheaper) vinyl wraps.

Cost Savings and Trade-Offs

As pointed out by Notateslaapp, Tesla’s previous PPF wraps were thick, durable, and actually protected your car’s paint. But protection costs money (and time), so Tesla decided to cut a corner, roll out vinyl wraps, and slap a “more affordable” sticker on the move. Vinyl wraps are thinner and easier to apply, which makes them faster and cheaper to install. The trade-off is the reduced durability and protection compared to PPF.

If you own an eligible Tesla and want to make it stand out for the holiday season, now could be a good time to do so. However, you’ll need to live in California or Washington, as only certain service centers are participating in the program.

Tesla launched its wrap service last year, initially limited to Model 3 and Model Y. At that time, PPF wraps were priced between $7,500 and $8,000. The service then expanded to include the Cybertruck, which offered five color options, priced between $6,000 and $6,500 for PPF wraps.

Read: Tesla Unveils 3 New Cybetruck Wraps, But There’s A Catch

Now, Tesla has updated its website to confirm that the cheaper, lower-quality vinyl wraps (of course, they don’t say it like that) are now available for the Model 3 and Model Y at $4,000, with wraps for the Cybertruck priced at $4,500. Interestingly, Tesla is no longer listing a specific selection of colors. Instead, after customers make an online purchase for a wrap, a Tesla Advisor will arrange an appointment where they can choose their preferred color and texture. This likely means a wider array of options will be available. Tesla mentions that all wraps are made from polyvinyl chloride and come in matte, satin, and gloss finishes.

Limited Availability of Tesla Service Centers

Unfortunately, there are just five Tesla Service Centers in the US providing wrapping services. Four are in California, including Costa Mesa, Oceanside, Santa Clara, and West Covina, and the other one is in Seattle, Washington.

Tesla says that the wrap installation typically takes a few days and customers may be provided with a loaner vehicle. All wraps from Tesla include a 12-month warranty for any installation defects and a five-year warranty for material defects.

Interested buyers should be aware that Tesla does not wrap door jambs as standard and this is only available for an additional cost. Additionally, Tesla will inspect the paint before fitting the wrap and may direct buyers to have a complete paint correction performed to ensure the surface is absolutely perfect.

We’re constantly hearing about an EV downturn and how automakers are changing their electrification strategies because consumers aren’t consuming. And sure, sales of electric cars are down in countries like Germany, but in the US people are still buying EVs, and they’re buying more of them than they did 12 months ago.

EV registrations climbed 5 percent in October versus the same month in 2023, topping out at 101,403, according to data from S&P Global Mobility. And it wasn’t Tesla driving that growth, but legacy automakers.

Related: Global EV Sales Shatter Records In November Thanks To China’s Unstoppable Growth

Chevrolet’s EV sales jumped 38 percent to 6,741 helped by demand for the Blazer and Equinox, while Cadillac Lyriq registrations grew threefold to 2,489 and the Hummer shifted 1,015 electric trucks, four times as many as it did last October. 

Like the Equinox, Honda’s Prologue, which is built on the same GM platform and in the same Mexican GM plant, wasn’t available in 2023, but made its presence felt this year. It found 4,168 homes, only 12 fewer than Chevy did of its version. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 facelift also gave its sales numbers the desired nip and tuck, boosting registrations from 3,555 to 4,485.

Although the overall number of EV sales is up, the rate of growth has slowed and some models registered fewer deliveries than previously. The Ford Mustang Mach-E, for instance, was down from 3,949 to 3,479 according to S&P Global Mobility’s spreadsheet and Rivian R1S sales dropped by more than 500 to 2,456. There are also fears that the EV segment relies heavily on tax credit availability to boost demand, and public interest could wane if Trump pulls the plug on the incentives when he takes office.

BEST SELLING EVs USA

Tesla’s registration numbers actually fell by 1.8 percent, and if you remove Tesla from the equation, EV sales increased not by 5 percent, but by 11 percent. And this isn’t a blip for Tesla: the automaker’s numbers have fallen in seven of the first 10 months of 2024, Auto News reports, and that’s despite the facelifted Model 3 and Cybertruck being new for this year. While the Model 3 gained ground, the Model Y fell back, sales tumbling from more than 25,000 to under 22,000.

But before anyone gets the idea that Tesla is falling behind in the EV race, we should make clear that it still outperformed the second best-selling brand’s EV models six times over. Or every single brand in the 2nd to 12th spots combined.

EV REGISTRATIONS USA

For months, Volkswagen has been threatening to close factories in Germany as it hunts for ways to slash costs and sure up its finances. However, the company’s supervisory board is now pondering the possibility of keeping them open in news that’ll no doubt be welcomed by employees and local labor unions.

If VW closed plants in Germany, it would mark the first time in the company’s history that such drastic measures have been taken. The company is facing increased competition from new brands entering the European market, in particular Chinese automakers, and according to VW brand boss Thomas Schäfer, the situation “cannot be resolved through simply cost-cutting measures.” For the past three months, unions and VW have been at loggerheads about what measures are necessary to slash costs.

Read: VW Workers Strike At 9 Plants Over Proposed 10% Pay Cuts And Closures

According to German publication Manager Magazin, VW board members had been looking to end production at the firm’s Dresden plant, which currently employs 300 people. They have also investigated selling the Osnabrueck factory, which has a 2,300-strong workforce. However, unnamed sources now claim the board favors not closing these plants and has not yet lined up a potential buyer for the Osnabrueck site.

The future of the plants is not guaranteed at this stage as there’s still said to be disagreement among some board members. Reuters understands that the Piech and Porsche families favor more aggressive cost-cutting measures.

The Osnabrueck factory currently handles production of the Porsche Cayman, Boxster, and T-Roc Cabrio. While it has an annual capacity of up to 100,000 units, just 28,000 vehicles were manufactured there last year. Production of the T-Roc Cabriolet is also scheduled to end next year, and Porsche is shifting production of the Cayman and Boxster to its site in Zuffenhausen. VW’s Dresden site currently builds the ID.3.

At the start of December, almost 100,000 VW workers across Germany walked off their jobs to protest the extreme cost-cutting measures proposed. The IG Metall union has offered to forgo bonuses for 2025 and 2026 and has also proposed using money from wage increases to finance temporary reduced working hours during times of overcapacity. It says these measures could deliver €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in cost savings.

Spy photographers recently snapped the first pictures of the Neue Klasse i3 and now we’re getting a look at the M variant. Little is known about it, but BMW M quietly dropped a handful of images on Instagram and their website.

The company isn’t saying much at this point, but noted the car is a prototype and is “on the way to set new standards.” The automaker also referred to the model as the “HP BEV,” which presumably means high-performance battery electric vehicle.

More: BMW Engineers Built An Electric M2 Prototype To Impress The Board Of Management

If those weren’t enough hints, the images were accompanied by a quote from BMW M’s head of development, Dirk Häcker, who said “Electrification opens up completely new degrees of freedom for us to create M typical dynamics.”

Moving onto the pictures themselves, we can see the model follows in the footsteps of previous prototypes as well as the Vision Neue Klasse concept. However, the M prototype is more aggressive as it appears to have a wider track as well as lightweight wheels wrapped in high-performance rubber. The car also sits low, which hints at a sportier suspension setup.

There isn’t much else to see, but the car has retractable door handles and a relatively flat roof. They’re joined by a plain rear end that unsurprisingly lacks an exhaust.

While BMW isn’t saying much, the wrap echoes the one found on the i4-based quad-motor prototype that has been undergoing testing for the past few years. Rumors have suggested the model could have more than 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS) as well as advanced torque vectoring and even a tank turn capability.

Given that BMW M has been on an electrification teaser spree as of late, we wouldn’t be surprised if more information were to follow in the coming days.

H/T to BMW Blog

BYD’s ongoing global expansion continues, and next year, it will start building the popular Dolphin and Atto 3 EVs in Europe. European carmakers are already petrified of the surging Chinese giant and will soon have to deal with BYD building vehicles in their back yard.

The company is constructing a large production facility in Hungary and according to its European boss, Stella Li, it’ll be ready to ramp up production towards the end of 2025. According to Li, BYD’s initial plans called for the tiny Seagull to be the first model built in Europe, but priorities have shifted, likely because the Dolphin and Atto 3 should sell in higher numbers than the Seagull.

Read: 2026 BYD Dolphin EV Breaks Cover With A Prettier Face And A New Powertrain Option

Speaking with German business magazine Capital, Li noted the ramp-up at the Hungarian plant will take two to three years, and that a third model is next for production on European soil, slotting between the Dolphin and Atto 3. This new model, referred to as the ‘Atto 2’ by Li, is expected to be a rebranded version of the Yuan Up that was shown earlier this year and is already available in China. It’s noticeably smaller than the Atto 3 and has a more rugged and upright design, a bit like the Mercedes-Benz GLB, but smaller. The Seagull will also become the fourth model built at the Hungary plant.

Securing its place in the European market won’t be easy for BYD. The growth in EV sales has slowed across the region throughout much of 2024. In response, BYD is expected to start offering more of its plug-in hybrids in Europe.

In October, Stella Li announced that BYD would build the majority of the EVs it sells locally in Europe following the enforcement of import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. BYD is working to establish a new supply chain in Europe, will assemble battery packs in Hungary and Turkey, and will only need to import battery cells from its home country.

In recent years, Unplugged Performance has firmly established itself as the go-to tuner for everything Tesla, and it has just rolled out a series of new upgrades for the refreshed Model 3 Performance codenamed ‘Project Highland’ . These modifications give the car a significantly more aggressive appearance compared to the standard model.

Like other high-performance Tesla models, the Model 3 Performance doesn’t stray far from its lesser variants in terms of design. Sure, it features sportier touches like a revised front bumper and a subtle rear spoiler lip, but it’s still fairly restrained. To address this, Unplugged has introduced a range of carbon fiber parts, beginning with a redesigned aero kit at the front.

Read: 2,200-Mile Tesla Model 3 Performance ‘Highland’ Sells For $12k Under MSRP

Priced at $3,050 when purchased as a complete kit, the overhauled front fascia includes a carbon lip spoiler, canards, aerodynamic deflectors, and a lower diffuser area. Those who don’t want all of these parts can buy them individually.

Matching the aggressive new front end are carbon fiber side skirts priced from $995, carbon fiber accents for the rear bumper ($395), a carbon diffuser ($595), and a fixed carbon fiber rear wing costing a cool $2,695 and offered in satin and gloss finishes. The entire kit, including all of the front, side, and rear parts, is priced at $7,430.

Unlike many other kits on the market, these aero parts aren’t just for good looks, but also claim to produce an additional 426 lbs (193 kg) of downforce.

Unplugged also offers handling upgrades for the Model 3 Performance, as well as all other Model 3 variants. These include carbon ceramic brakes, several different coilover suspension systems, front and rear limited-slip differentials, new sway bars, adjustable front upper control arms, and braided brake lines. Several different wheel options are also on offer.

Owners seeking the ultimate in performance and willing to spend whatever it takes can buy Unplugged’s flagship wheels with carbon fiber barrels and forged aluminum spokes, starting at an eye-watering $19,995.

BMW M is gearing up for the debut of its first fully electric model, marking the beginning of a new era for the brand. Before that happens, a new video series on YouTube gives us a sneak peek behind the scenes of the EV development, showing early BMW M prototypes and discussing their quad-motor powertrain.

The first episode of the “BMW M Electrified” series is focused on the preparation of the “Board Management Drive”. This secret test drive is for engineers to share their most exciting work with BMW’s entire Board of Management. This is a crucial milestone for the team, as the future of each project effectively depends on what high-ranked officials will think about it.

Review: 2025 BMW M4 Competition Is An Addictive Triumph Of Speed

The video reveals that one of the early EV prototypes was based on the previous-generation BMW M2 (F87). The white model sports a slightly different front bumper and a pronounced ducktail spoiler, but looks fairly stock, setting aside the obvious lack of tailpipes. This likely allowed the development team to test the new powertrain and driving dynamics on public roads without being noticed.

Of course, the star of the video is the familiar BMW M prototype which has been spotted testing since 2022. This one is based on the BMW i4 but features various components from the M3/M4, wide fender extensions, carbon ceramic brakes, and a special camouflage wrap. More importantly, it is fitted with quad electric motors featuring advanced torque vectoring functions and rides on an extensively reinforced chassis with custom front and rear subframes.

BMW M / YouTube

CarPix

Carsten Wolf, who’s responsible for Integration Vehicle Characteristics at BMW M, said that the quad-motor EV powertrain will be used by all future models. “We will see the technical concepts that we are developing here now, four electric motors, in all BMW M high performance vehicles at some point in the future”. In this context, Wolf said that the modular system, comprising the EV powertrain and the driving dynamics, is crucial for the future of BMW M.

Speaking about EV development, Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, said: “For me it’s not about transforming, it’s about embracing new technology, and to find out how to push to the limits of what is technically possible”. According to van Meel, their goal was to “centralize all of the control units into a central control logic”, reducing the complexity of the electronics and avoiding any interference between them.

Earlier this year, the BMW M boss made a bold statement about their upcoming fully electric sedan, saying it “will beat everything you have ever seen”. The production model is expected to spearhead the upcoming BMW i3 sedan’s range, which will ride on the much-talked-about Neue Klasse architecture. It will be the electric equivalent to the BMW M3, which will reportedly live on in ICE-powered form using a mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine.

At some point in the video, the i4-based prototype suffered a mechanical issue, and the team had to replace the front electric motors. Engineers cite how crucial it is to perform real-life tests from an early stage, as simulations can’t provide the same feedback on all-new technology. Thankfully, all of the issues were dealt with before members of BMW’s Board of Management sat behind the wheel of the EVs.

The next episode will likely show us the outcome of the test drive. According to BMW M’s CEO, the high-ranked officials “said nothing” after experiencing the driving dynamics of the electric models. Judging from the fact that the project has received the green light for production, this was probably a good reaction.

Hot on the heels of Polestar starting production of the entry-level, single-motor 3 in the US at its Charleston, South Carolina facility, the electric carmaker has announced new financing and lease deals for some of the higher-end models. While Polestar is in a little bit of turmoil, the 3 is a compelling option for those in the market for a high-end electric SUV.

American customers eyeing the 2025 Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor with the Pilot Standard Pack can now lease one for $599 per month over 36 months. However, this excludes a hefty $5,599 down payment. When factoring in this upfront cost, the effective monthly payment rises to $755, with mileage capped at 10,000 miles per year.

Read: Polestar Says Biden’s China Tech Ban Would Make It Impossible To Sell Even US-Built Models In America

Over the life of the lease, this works out to be $27,163. Previously, this version of the Polestar 3 had commanded $699 per month for 36 months.

Of course, these are the advertised rates, so your mileage may vary depending on your haggling skills, the dealership’s flexibility, your ability to negotiate a lower capitalized cost (negotiated price of the car, including fees), and whether you can secure a more favorable money factor (interest rate). As always, persistence and careful negotiation can make a significant difference in the final cost of a lease.

One key reason shoppers may lean toward leasing rather than outright purchasing the Polestar 3 is the $7,500 lease cash currently available. This contrasts with its ineligibility for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit when purchased outright, despite the fact that the model is manufactured in the U.S.

0% Financing

Polestar has also rolled out a new financing offer for the electric SUV, which might be a better deal if you want to keep the car. A bulletin recently sent to dealers reveals it’s eligible for 0% financing for 60 months for all variants, excluding the new single-motor version. Cars Direct says the financing rate had previously been sent at 6.99%, meaning buyers can now benefit from $15,000 in savings. Both the new lease and financing deals run until January 2, 2025.

Specs and Pricing

Pricing for the dual-motor Polestar 3 starts at $73,400 (excluding destination). This model pairs a 111 kWh battery pack with two electric motors, producing a combined 489 horsepower and 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque. The setup delivers an EPA-estimated range of 315 miles (507 km) on a full charge.

For those wanting more luxury and performance, Polestar offers a $78,900 version of the Long Range Dual Motor model, which includes the Plus Pack. This adds premium features such as heated rear seats, a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and 21-inch wheels.

The Polestar 3 family also includes the Long Range Dual Motor w/Pilot and Performance Pack, and the Long Range Dual Motor w/Pilot, Plus Pack, and Performance Pack, priced from $79,400 and $84,900, respectively.

The Polestar 3 lineup is expanding as the company has begun building a new entry-level variant in Charleston, South Carolina. Known as the Long Range Single Motor, the latest version of the electric crossover starts at $67,500 before a $1,400 destination fee.

That’s $5,900 less than the dual-motor all-wheel drive variant and the good news doesn’t end there as the entry-level model has an EPA range of up to 350 miles (563 km/h). That’s 35 miles (56 km) more than its counterpart.

More: Polestar 3 Deliveries Begin As New RWD Variant Debuts

However, there are some obvious tradeoffs as the crossover has a rear-mounted motor producing 295 hp (220 kW / 299 PS) and 361 lb-ft (489 Nm) of torque. This results in a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 7.5 seconds. When it comes time to replenish the 111 kWh battery pack, a 250 kW DC fast charger can take it from a 10-80% charge in as little as 30 minutes.

The Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor comes nicely equipped with LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and acoustic windows. They’re joined by a panoramic glass roof, a power liftgate, and 20-inch wheels.

Moving inside, drivers will find a 9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment system. Other highlights include eight-way power heated front seats, a tri-zone climate control system, a wireless smartphone charger, and a 10-speaker audio system.

An assortment of driver assistance systems come standard including Pilot Assist, Lane Change Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind Spot Information with Steer Assist. Buyers will also find Lane Departure Warning, Road Sign Information, and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation.

An assortment of options are available including a $5,500 Plus Pack that adds a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The package also includes soft-close doors, a power-adjustable steering column, and a foldable load floor.

 The Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor will also be offered in Europe where it will have a WLTP range of up to 438 miles (706 km). German pricing starts at €79,890 while Brits will need to shell out £69,900.

The holiday season is upon us, and Tesla has announced a slew of new features that will be included in its annual holiday update. These new features will roll out as part of an over-the-air update starting next week.

Perhaps the most important inclusion in the update is a rear cross-traffic alert feature. In recent years, rear cross-traffic alert has become a standard safety feature across much of the industry but up until now, no Tesla has had it – likely in part due to their reliance on cameras rather than radars. While there’s still no radar, Tesla has enabled the system to alert drivers of pedestrians or vehicles crossing behind while in reverse.

Read: Viral Cybertruck Coated In $60,000 Of 24K Gold Hits the Auction Block

Other handy features are being added. For example, there’s a new Tesla App for the Apple Watch, meaning owners can use their watch to lock/unlock their EVs, view the battery charge, open the frunk, and turn on the climate control. It’ll also now be possible to save dashcam and Sentry Mode clips directly from the Tesla app. Tesla Model 3’s without stalks can also now automatically shift between Drive & Reverse in parking lots and during multi-point turns.

Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck owners will be pleased to hear that SiriusXM is included in the holiday update, too. It’s now also possible to set a preferred battery charge level when arriving at a destination and a rain radar has been added to the navigation system.

https://t.co/X58n3u0vMM

— Tesla (@Tesla) December 2, 2024

BREAKING: Tesla has announced its annual 2024 Holiday Update.

Here's what's new:
• Tesla App on Apple Watch
• Save Dashcam & Sentry Mode clips to phone
• Autoshift between Drive & Reverse on stalkless Model 3
• Maintenance Summary: You can now view & track maintenance items… https://t.co/u1UexGtvUo pic.twitter.com/54Hj25MPzI

— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) December 2, 2024

Most of the other updates are minor, including new wraps and license plates available for the avatars used in the Cybertruck’s infotainment system, an improved rear camera feed for the pickup, and the ability for rear-seat passengers in the Cybertruck to play games on the small screen. Fart On Contact is another small update, which will play a fart sound through the speakers as soon as a passenger sits down.

Our spy photographers caught one of the pre-production prototypes of the upcoming BMW iX3 Neue Klasse SUV, shortly after it rolled off the production line in Hungary. The fully electric model goes through the latest stages of development testing ahead of its market launch in 2025.

The BMW iX3 Neue Klasse made its spy debut in November 2023, but early prototypes were fitted with provisional lighting units. The new prototype is fitted with the production headlights and taillights, revealing a modern LED lighting signature. This was the last missing piece of the puzzle, as the bodywork of the SUV has already been uncovered in recent patent drawings.

More: 2026 BMW iX3 Neue Klasse Renders Patents Into Reality

The new prototype was also photographed with the hood open. Unlike other EVs, the BMW iX3 doesn’t appear to have a frunk, with the space being occupied by mechanical components. We can also see the iX3’s pop-out door handles, which are less futuristic than the fin-shaped solution of the Vision Neue Klasse X concept. Judging from earlier spy shots, these will likely find their way into the larger iX5.

The wheels of the prototype suggest that this is one of the lesser versions of the BMW iX3. Our spy photographers suggest that the wheel diameter of the production model will be between 18 inches and 22 inches depending on the trim. The larger size will likely be reserved for the performance-focused offering by BMW M.

The new BMW iX3 will be the first production model to adopt the Neue Klasse styling language before it gets applied to the automaker’s entire range of combustion and electric models. The iX3 will be followed by the i3 sedan, the similarly-sized 3-Series, and the new generation of the X5/iX5, which are set to debut in the coming years.

The Neue Klasse underpinnings are compatible with single and dual electric motors, rumored to produce anywhere between 300 and 600 hp. Furthermore, a new generation of batteries is expected to bring a 30% improvement in charging speed and range, taking the latter to a maximum of over 800 km (500 miles).

BMW recently stated that series production of its first Neue Klasse SUV will begin in late 2025.

SH Proshots

Love them or hate them, electric vehicles can deliver mind-bending performance. We’re talking supercar levels of acceleration here, at least for 0-60 mph (96 km/h) and quarter-mile sprints. Take the Tesla Model 3 Performance, for instance.

Priced from $54,990 or $47,490 if you choose the no-cost Stealth Grey option and meet the requirements for the $7,500 federal tax credit (the only color that qualifies without adding the $8,000 FSD package, which unlocks eligibility for all colors and also nets you the tax credit), it might just be the best value in the EV sports sedan segment. That is, as long as you can stomach the depreciation that comes with it, especially compared to something like a BMW M3, which holds its value far better.

More: New Tesla Model 3 Long Range Gets Acceleration Boost Option In Some Markets

Not only does the Model 3 Performance outrun a BMW M3, but it also costs tens of thousands less than the German contender. For context, the base rear-wheel-drive M3 starts at $76,000, offering 473hp and a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds. Step up to the M3 Competition xDrive, with its 523hp and a quicker 3.4-second sprint to 60 mph, and you’re looking at $85,300. And that’s without touching BMW’s extensive options list.

Meanwhile, the Model 3 Performance hits 60 mph in a blistering 2.8 seconds (albeit with a roll-out, so think around 3 seconds flat without) and rockets through the quarter-mile in about 11 seconds , all while offering just over 300 miles (488 km / EPA estimate) of range. Oh, and did we mention buyers are snapping up these Teslas for bargains on the second-hand market?

Second-Hand Steals

Photos Cars&Bids

For example, a Model 3 Performance in Ultra Red recently sold on Cars & Bids for just $46,250. It had only 2,200 miles on the odometer having been purchased new in June of 2024. To put that into perspective, that’s Lexus ES money for a car that delivers supercar acceleration. Apparently, 2,200 miles is all it takes for some buyers to lose interest in owning such a car.

As with all Model Performance variants, the car in question featured a panoramic glass roof, a premium interior, heated and ventilated front sport seats, and 20-inch wheels. The sale also included the Tesla Mobile Connector kit, compatible with both 120V outlets and NEMA 14-50 240V outlets for Level 2 charging.

The seller had the windows tinted and much of the body covered in SunTek paint protection film (PPF), which was applied to the front bumper, headlamps, hood, fenders, and mirror caps. Keep in mind that all of this came from Tesla with an MSRP of $58,380. Even at that price, it’s nothing short of a performance bargain.

A Windshield Or Another Tesla?

Interestingly, we’re about to see if this trend continues as another Model 3 Performance is up for sale again over on Cars & Bids. It has even fewer miles, just 800 so far, and with one day left into the auction, the highest bid stands at $38,250 at the time of writing with a day left (the auction ends on December 2). That’s for a car that, according to the listing, cost $56,380 new.

But why is the seller parting ways with it after so little time? As it turns out, replacing a windshield was enough to drive them into another Tesla. After all, who needs a windshield when you can just buy an entirely new car? Now that’s forward thinking.

“When I had to replace the windshield, Tesla had difficulties getting a replacement. They kept arriving damaged. Then, there was a lack of availability. It was dragging on. I was impatient. I just bought another Tesla while waiting for this one to be repaired,” the seller explained.

And he’s not alone either. A little digging reveals that windshield replacement for Teslas can be a frustrating and costly ordeal. When parts do finally arrive, the cost can hit nearly $1,500. Despite these headaches, the Model 3 Performance remains a killer deal in the sports sedan market. Whether new or lightly used, it’s hard to argue with this level of speed and value.

Photos Cars&Bids

Volkswagen is readying a raft of improvements for the ID.3 and ID.4 that won’t just overhaul their designs, but also introduce new interiors and improvements to their underpinnings.

While the ID.3 and ID.4 were among the first truly compelling EVs from the VW Group in their respective segments, sales haven’t exactly met expectations. When the ID.3 launched in 2019, some believed it could challenge the dominance of the Tesla Model Y. Evidently, that didn’t happen, and part of the reason is likely the design language of VW’s current ID models. Fortunately, things are set to change, with design inspiration now coming from the upcoming ID.2, which was previewed by a concept last year.

A New Look, A New Direction

During a recent interview with Auto Express, Volkswagen’s development boss, Kai Grünitz, confirmed that both the ID.3 and ID.4 will benefit from the brand’s new design language. “We will bring a re-skin for the ID.4 and ID.3, with a completely new design language going back to where we originally came from, from a design perspective, and return to what Volkswagen is known for,” he said.

This means ditching the somewhat ambiguous styling of current ID models in favor of a more coherent and recognizable aesthetic. Leading the charge is VW design head Andy Mindt, whose new approach embraces a cleaner, more defined two-box silhouette that should help give the ID. models a clearer identity.

Read: VW Dials Back Touchscreens, Rediscovers Physical Buttons

In addition to the new looks, Grünitz hinted at more practical improvements, too. “We also have a lot of improvements in terms of battery costs and performance, we will also bring new features and driver assistance functions,” he added. “So there will be a huge improvement, both in terms of the cost for us, but also benefit for the customers.”

Translation: better range, improved performance, and a host of new tech aimed at making the ID.3 and ID.4 more attractive to buyers

Interior Overhaul: Goodbye, Cheap Plastics

If you’ve ever spent time in an ID.3 or ID.4, you’ll know the interiors can feel a bit… cold, to put it mildly. VW seems to have taken the hint. Customers will be pleased to know that VW is working to make its cabins nicer. The new interior design direction was also previewed by the ID.2all concept and added more physical buttons and switches. One of the key features of the concept was its row of physical switches for the climate control, neatly positioned below the central infotainment display.

The British magazine also mentioned that VW will make several quality improvements to the cabins of the ID.3 and ID.4. In September, Mindt revealed that the brand plans to ditch cheap plastic materials and will instead use more fabrics.

When Will the New ID.3 and ID.4 Arrive?

As for when you can expect these refreshed ID. models to hit showrooms, Volkswagen is staying tight-lipped. The cars might not land until 2026, but given the current pace of the EV market, that’s probably just the right amount of time to make these updates matter.

Tesla has made its popular referral program in the US and Canada a little more generous, benefiting both new and existing owners.

The changes start with the Tesla Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck. Those who purchase one of these EVs using an existing owner’s referral will get a hefty $2,000 discount. This is double the $1,000 discount that had been provided previously. Tesla has also increased the discount for the Model 3 and Model Y from $500 to $1,000.

Read: California To Reinstate EV Rebates If Trump Scraps Tax Credit, Just Not For Tesla

Canadian buyers can also benefit from new discounts. Those who place an order for a Model S, Model X, and Model Y, will all receive a CAD$2,600 discount, double what it used to be. That discount is particularly generous for the Model Y as it’s significantly cheaper than both the Model S and Model X.

Existing Tesla owners who provide their referral codes are also being rewarded more. In the US, each successful referral an owner makes will receive $1,000, while in Canada, they’ll get CAD$1,300. This money can be used at the Tesla Shop to buy accessories, for Supercharging, or at Tesla Service centers. Each referrer is capped at ten referrals before it resets. This means owners in the US can stack them and get up to $10,000 off their next vehicle purchase or CAD$13,000 in the Great White North.

The referrals work for newly-ordered vehicles, as well as those in Tesla’s existing inventory.

In September, Rivian launched a Tesla-inspired referral program for its owners. The electric startup offers 750 points ($1 point equals a $1 credit) for an owner who makes a referral and another 750 points to a new buyer who uses that referral code. Both parties also receive six months of free charging at the Rivian Adventure Network. The 750 points can be redeemed for a future vehicle purchase or spent on Rivian’s online stores.

Luxeed, the joint venture between Huawei and Chery, has unveiled the 2025 MY updates for the S7 electric sedan, one year after its debut. The updated EV brings a fresh color palette and a lower price point, with the aim of attracting buyers who might otherwise flock to the Tesla Model 3.

Originally launched in November 2023, the Luxeed S7 faced a sluggish start, largely due to supply issues. However, after re-introducing the electric sedan to the Chinese market in April 2024 with some minor tweaks, the 2025 MY version has now arrived, designed to ramp up customer demand and make a more significant impact in the competitive EV market.

More: Huawei’s Maextro S800 Looks Like Someone Put A Maybach, A Rolls And A Porsche In The Blender

The 4,971 mm (195.7 inches) long S7 was the first to showcase the group’s HIMA styling language, which has since been adopted across other Huawei-backed models like the Stelato S9 sedan, Aito M9 SUV, and the Luxeed R7 coupe SUV.

While the exterior remains unchanged for the 2025 MY, the new color options—Phantom Purple, Blue Wave, Metropolitan Red, and Sunshine Blue—give the S7 a more distinctive presence on the road. It also looks like the Luxeed S7 Ultra performance flagship also borrows some styling cues from the Tesla Model 3 Performance, sporting black 21-inch wheels, red Brembo brake calipers, and discreet aero add-ons.

Interior Upgrades And Tech

Inside, the 2025 S7 carries over much from the 2024 model, but with a few notable updates to its standard equipment. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 15.6-inch touchscreen run on Huawei’s HarmonyOS 4 software. The front seats feature zero-gravity technology, while the rear bench offers both heating and ventilation.

Luxeed has also added dual wireless charging pads and a 17-speaker audio system to enhance the cabin’s luxury feel. Furthermore, the Huawei ADS 2.0 system brings semi-autonomous driving capabilities and remote parking, using an array of sensors to assist the driver.

Powertrain And Chassis

The Luxeed S7 rides on the E0X architecture,shared with the Luxeed R7 coupe SUV, as well as the Exeed Sterra ES sedan and ET SUV. The same platform is expected to underpin the new Freelander EVs that will be introduced in China as part of Jaguar Land Rover’s joint venture with Chery.

The sedan is available with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 288 hp (215 kW / 292 PS), or dual electric motors producing a combined 489 hp (365 kW / 496 PS). The CATL-sourced battery packs have a capacity of 82 kWh or 100 kWh, with the latter offering a CLTC range of up to 855 km (531 miles) in the RWD version.

Cheaper Than The Tesla Model 3

The most significant news for 2025 is the Luxeed S7’s reduced price, with cuts ranging between ¥10,000-30,000 ($1,400-4,100) depending on the trim. The updated model now undercuts its primary rival, the Tesla Model 3, by a small margin—though it’s worth noting that Tesla could counter this move with more discounts sooner than you can say “Elon’s sending out another tweet.” .

SPECS

H/T to Car News China

The Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office has granted Rivian conditional commitment for a loan of up to $6.57 (£5.24 / €6.27) billion. The money is slated to be used for the development and construction of an electric vehicle plant in Stanton Springs North, Georgia.

The government said, if finalized, the loan will support construction of a 9 million square foot (836,127 square meters) facility that can make up to 400,000 vehicles annually. It will build the R2 and R3, which the Department of Energy optimistically called “mass-market” EVs. That’s a bit of a stretch as R2 pricing is expected to start around $45,000.

More: The 2026 Rivian R2 Looks Even Better Up Close

Nevertheless, the government said the funds should support up to 2,000 construction jobs and 7,500 operations jobs by 2030. Uncle Sam added the facility will enable Rivian to “reach production volumes that make its products more cost competitive and accelerate access to international markets.” They went on to claim that EVs made at the plant could result in an annual fuel consumption savings of approximately 146 million gallons (553 million liters) of gas.

For their part, Rivian said the project will be broken up into two phases and the first will result in production beginning in 2028. During this initial ramp up, the plant will have a capacity of 200,000 units annually.

CEO RJ Scaringe stated “This loan would enable Rivian to more aggressively scale our U.S. manufacturing footprint for our competitively priced R2 and R3 vehicles that emphasize both capability and affordability.” He added “a robust ecosystem of U.S. companies developing and manufacturing EVs is critical for the U.S. to maintain its long-term leadership in transportation.”

The loan isn’t set in stone and there’s already speculation that the Trump administration might attempt to kill it. While that remains to be seen, Rivian previously tapped the brakes on the facility and announced the R2 would initially be built at their plant in Normal, Illinois. At the time, the automaker noted using their existing facility would enable the crossover to be launched sooner and would provide over $2.25 (£1.79 / €2.15) billion in savings.

Over the years, many Tesla owners have reported complaints about “phantom braking”—a phenomenon where the car suddenly and inexplicably applies the brakes, often with no apparent hazard in sight. Now, a lawsuit against Tesla over these alleged “phantom braking” issues has been allowed to move forward by a US District Judge in Chicago.

The suit accuses Tesla of concealing a defect in its forward collision monitoring system, which is said to trigger abrupt and unnecessary braking without any real danger present. While some parts of the lawsuit have been dismissed, the central claim regarding the phantom braking issue remains very much alive.

The lawsuit was originally filed by Tesla Model 3 owner Joshua Santiago in 2023. He claimed that the forward collision monitoring system used by Tesla is defective and can suddenly activate when there’s no actual danger or collision risk, described as ‘phantom braking.’ The lawsuit also alleged that Tesla was charging excessive car insurance premiums because of the reportedly defective collision monitoring system.

Read: Tesla Settles Lawsuit Against Rivian Over Claims It Stole Trade Secrets

Late last week, US District Judge Georgia Alexakis ruled to narrow the lawsuit’s scope but upheld the central claim about phantom braking. Tesla had moved to have the entire case dismissed, but the judge’s decision ensures the defect allegations will be heard in court.

The lawsuit alleges that Tesla had known about the alleged defect as early as 2015, but failed to inform customers about it. A whistleblower’s report asserts Tesla had recorded “139 cases of unintentional emergency braking,” and “383 reported phantom stops resulting from false collision warnings.” Hundreds of complaints regarding the faulty system have also been made to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Tesla regularly deploys over-the-air software updates, but the plaintiff argues these efforts have failed to resolve the problem. Santiago claims he “would not have purchased his vehicle…had he been aware” of the defect”, positioning the case as a matter of consumer transparency.

Insurance Premium Claims on Hold

While the phantom braking allegations proceed, Judge Alexakis dismissed claims regarding Tesla’s inflated insurance premiums because of the allegedly faulty collision monitoring system. However, plaintiffs have been granted permission to file an amended complaint to revive those claims should they gather additional evidence.

Tesla, for its part, has previously denied claims that it was aware of phantom braking issues in its popular electric vehicles.

President-elect Donald Trump, then the GOP nominee, speaks at the Detroit Economic Club on Oct. 10, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.  (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON — Two days before a key meeting with President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump has not yet signed the necessary paperwork to unlock resources for a smooth transfer of power from one presidential administration to another.

Trump’s transition spokesperson Brian Hughes told States Newsroom Monday that “The Trump-Vance transition lawyers continue to constructively engage with the Biden-Harris Administration lawyers regarding all agreements contemplated by the Presidential Transition Act.”

“We will update you once a decision is made,” Hughes said in a statement.

Biden will host Trump at the White House late Wednesday morning, according to his public schedule.

One of the agreements in question includes a memorandum of understanding between the Trump-Vance transition and the U.S. General Services Administration for office space, information technology services, and staff assistance, as outlined in the 2010 update to the Presidential Transition Act of 1963.

The services are available to the president-elect, and to major presidential candidates following nominating conventions, but come with financial disclosure requirements and a contribution cap of $5,000 on transition-related donations from any one person or organization.

The other is an MOU with the White House, negotiated by the incumbent and president-elect, to establish an ethics plan pertaining to members of the transition team and information sharing, including national security matters. The due date was Oct. 1.

‘Peaceful and orderly’ transition urged

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Friday that Chief of Staff Jeff Zients has reached out to the Trump-Vance transition team’s co-chairs Linda McMahon and Howard Lutnick, both major campaign donors.

“So we’re going to leave that line of communications open. We’re going to be helpful here. We want to have an effective, efficient transition of power,” Jean-Pierre said.

Biden said Thursday from the White House Rose Garden that a “peaceful and orderly transition” is what “the American people deserve.”

The transition memoranda are available online, and the public can view the agreements filed in September by Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee who ultimately lost to Trump.

Raskin calls on Trump to act

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, called on Trump’s campaign in October to complete the paperwork.

“Breaking the precedent set by every other presidential candidate since 2010, you have rejected these resources and refused to commit to a smooth transition,” Raskin wrote in an Oct. 23 letter.

The Maryland Democrat surmised in the letter that the Trump team’s paperwork delinquency “may be at least partially driven” by an attempt to skirt the financial disclosure and limit rules.

“With fewer than three weeks left until an election in which the American people will select a new President of the United States, I urge you to put the public’s interest in maintaining a properly functioning government above any personal financial or political interests you may perceive in boycotting the official transition law and process,” Raskin wrote.

In February 2021, the Biden-Harris administration filed a 1,021-page transition-related donation and expense disclosure.

We’re now four years past the original scheduled launch date for the Tesla Roadster and there’s no sign of it making a debut until 2025 at the earliest. But rather than wait patiently, one YouTuber built his own, and from what we can see he’s done an awesome job.

David Andreyev calls his home-built creation the CyberRoadster, though it’s neither a truck nor a convertible. But now dressed in 12 coats of candy red paint, it looks incredible all the same. His starting point was a crash-damaged black Model 3 Performance, though there’s very little left of the external bodywork.

Related: Musk Suggests Tesla Roadster Isn’t A Priority, But Thanks “Long-Suffering Deposit Holders”

The roof has been chopped in traditional hot rod style, and every body panel bar the two front doors appears to have been built from scratch or heavily modified. Compared with the concept version of Tesla’s real Roadster, Andreyev’s creation is far more muscular, with a blockier front end and a Dodge Charger Daytona-style hood complemented by wide sill extensions.

It also has a transverse light bar in a nod to the Cybertruck, something not seen on Tesla’s other vehicles. And there’s a definite Italian supercar feel to the back end thanks to the combination of a wide black panel splitting the bumper from the rear bodywork and a fake “engine” visible through a glass panel in the rear deck.

Andreyev says he still needs to finish the interior, but claims it shouldn’t take long. It certainly won’t be as complicated as building the CyberRoadster’s exterior – the rear quarter panels alone took several months to complete and went through more than 30 iterations.

Sure, there are some elements you might change – sticking with the sedan’s front doors means they look too narrow, for instance, and the visibility must be terrible – but considering this was all achieved by one man in his garage without a million-dollar budget, it’s amazing what he’s accomplished. And it gives us hope that creative people will always want to modify cars, no matter what’s under the hood in the years to come.

Images: David Andreyev/@cyber_hooligan