Hyundai Stops Internal Combustion Engine Development Forever

The all-new Volkswagen ID Buzz electric van will finally debut March 9, alongside the VW ID Buzz cargo van. While you wait on that full information, VW has released new interior images detailing a lot of the ID Buzz's cute little easter eggs, some surprising tools, and even smiley-faced screw caps as part of the final finish.VW ID Buzz + CargoThe new VW ID Buzz van will be introduced first for overseas markets as a five-seater and a cargo variant, both built on the automaker's new MEB electric vehicle architecture found in various configurations under VW's other new EVs like the ID3 and ID4. We expect the passenger version will make its way here later, after several delays held up the project. VW says the space-saving qualities of the EV platform allow for up to 39.5 cubic feet of cargo storage in the five-seater, and up to 137.7 cubic feet in the cargo version with "a partition behind the first row of seats" equipped. The new van lineup is set to help VW achieve its goal of 50 percent EV sales mix in North America by 2030.Custom ID Buzz Paint VW says the new ID Buzz van will launch with seven paint colors, but of course the automaker is going retro with four additional two-tone paint schemes also available that harken back to the iconic T1 camper. All four of the two-tone paint jobs include the color white paired with another hue.VW ID Buzz InteriorInterior options color-matched with each exterior paint choice will be available, including the seat cushions, dash panel and door trim. The cabin is also animal-free, instead opting for polyurethane leatherettes with "a similar feel" as leather. VW also introduces recycled materials in the seat covers, floor coverings and headliner.Various tools are cleverly tucked away in the van cabin, VW says, including a bottle opener and a handy ice scraper, though their utility may be hampered by your inability to find them, since the release says they are "only discovered at second glance."Both the new Volkswagen ID Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo will debut at 10 a.m. Pacific time on March 9.

The 40th Tokyo Auto Salon started off with modest fanfare on Friday, as the typical media day routine of press conferences, product debuts, prototype reveals, and the ever-popular TAS staple of pinup girls and race queens transpired.While day two typically devolves into a more frenzied state due to the doors being opened to the public, the COVID situation caused people to mill about in a very civilized manner, as we all social distanced as best as possible. Mask mandates as well as the downloading of a Bluetooth-dependent app that collected data from all nearby smartphone devices to record exposure risks were required for all visitors.As for the contents of the show itself, both the Gazoo Racing GT3 Prototype and the mildly modded orange Fairlady Z at the Nissan booth seemed to maintain the strongest grip on visitor interest, with lengthy lines to get in and see both vehicles remaining in effect nearly up to closing time each day.Surprise encounters included bumping into our old friend Mr. GT-R Hiroshi Tamura, meeting Yamamoto-san of Racing Factory Yamamoto to discuss his bonkers Figaro/S2000 rocket ship (which took home 3rd place for best tuning car), and catching up with the ever enthusiastic Sakamoto-san of Garage Active for some long overdue GT-R talk.All InclusiveBut perhaps the most pleasant surprise was seeing all of the smaller shops and independent builders in attendance. For beneath all of the glitz, glamour, girls, and gregariousness of this event lies a far more meaningful message. Tiny operations, each with a few employees, striving to do things differently and thinking outside of the box are how this whole show started 40 years ago. Today, many of them remain the unsung heroes of all things JDM, who, in our eyes deserve just as much recognition as the big names in the industry.And while companies like Varis secured first place for its race-ready "Kamikaze Yaris," and the tastefully modded Nissan Fairlady Z stole the show for best concept car, it was an off-road van build that surprised people the most when it came to award time.A 4x4 specialty shop by the name of Outclass Cars took home top honors for best family car of the show with a Toyota Alphard van unlike any other. Converted with imported Lexus LM minivan parts sourced from Taiwan and outfitted with a slew of one-off Outclass 4x4 focused components, then topped with a GIWORKS JAPAN rooftop tent and cargo carrier, this build was a real stand-out at the show this year for the public, the press, and apparently the judges as well.It was this very van that made our coverage of Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 possible, as the Tokushima-based crew graciously allowed me to hitch a ride to and from the event in their capable 4x4 caravan. The return trip even allowed room for two more hitchhikers: A gleaming trophy, and a plaque proudly decreeing that a 4x4 grocery-getter could indeed be considered one of the best builds in all of Japan. Talk about icing on that JDM cake!With that said, here are some of the other highlights from the three-day affair trying to get back to full speed after the cancellation of last year's event. Here's hoping to 2023 continues the momentum.This Fairlady Z concept, which combines some old school Z-car with the new Z's already retro-heavy aesthetic, certainly made its mark on the show. The reworked front fascia, mild flares, and orange/black treatment offer a nice clash of old and new without moving too far away from the modern Z.Your eyes aren't deceiving you, this is in fact a six-rotor swap! Tucked neatly into the engine bay of a Eunos Cosmo, this build began in October and though it's not 100% complete just yet, it's getting close. Many of the parts are sourced from Australia, and the plan is to finish it up by spring and put it to the test in both drag and time attack race events.The off-road market in Japan, much like the U.S., is at an all-time high. Interest in rugged options from the aftermarket have increased dramatically and personalized compact offerings, like this GReddy-equipped Suzuki Jimny, are all the rage.The FD chassis RX-7 has long served as a staple at the Tokyo Auto Salon and that won't be changing anytime soon. The fan favorite's classic body lines, capable chassis, and roomy engine compartment make it a tuning platform with almost limitless options. This version was widened and fitted with an array of vents as well as Vision Type DC mirrors that are typically attached to Honda builds.There's really nothing subtle about the new GR Yaris, so it only makes sense that Varis Japan would go wild with its aero add-on, aptly naming the creation "Kamikaze." The hood, portions of the bumper, lip, side skirts, rear diffuser, and wing use a very large carbon fiber weave pattern like that of the brand's side project, Solid and Joker, which we saw back in 2017.Bulked up fenders feature vents on the front pair, similar to Varis' FK8 Type R kit.With so much talk about the new Toyota GR86, many forgot about the previous generation 86—but not this builder. Tubbed front fenders surround a highly-polished single-turbo 2JZ swap outfitted with custom hard lines and a tucked engine harness.Subaru's STI E-RA Challenge Project, which relies on four electric motors to generate just over 1,000 hp, was a show within the show.Exotics were also on hand in pretty large numbers. Liberty Walk brought quite a few cars to TAS, including this Ferrari sporting its signature wide body aero and vented carbon fiber hood.Other LBWK demo cars included this trio of yellow—a Lamborghini, Corvette, and Mclaren.On the wild side, this sixth-generation Toyota Celica received a (partial) MkV Supra front end conversion.

In the late '70s, the automotive performance world had been decimated by government regulations and soaring gas prices. MPG and going far had replaced having fun and going fast. If you were a hot-rodder, it was a dark time. Things over at the Chrysler Corporation were especially bad and the company was on the verge of going belly-up. Then along came a guy named Lee Iacocca to try and right the floundering ship. Spoiler alert: He pulled off a minor miracle and saved Chrysler.