Pirelli uses Ferrari’s track-bred LaFerrari FXX K to test its Digital Tires of the future

By Miles Branman Published June 4, 2015

Modern tire technology is more than just about rubber compounds and tread patterns, it’s becoming a bedrock element in vehicle performance.

Pirelli is at the forefront of this new era of performance rubber, and their “Cyber Tires” needed just the right test subject. Insert the Ferrari LaFerrari FXX K. The track-bred hypercar is a perfect candidate to test computer-clad tires on circuits.

Evo reports that the goal is for the digital tires to collect data about the coefficient of friction, footprint, and pavement grade as the Ferrari rips around the track. The next step is to communicate that information to the FXX K’s ECU and traction control systems, enabling the supercar to optimize power delivery based on the most grip.

Onboard computers have been channeling power to the wheel with best traction for a while now, but these real-time tire sensors are vastly more precise than any method used before.

Pirelli has a good foundation of research thanks to its development of tires for Formula One, but with the plan being to introduce digitally optimized tires for road cars in the next few years, having one of the most capable production cars on the planet to break in the technology is a huge win for Belle Italia.

The potential performance gains from data-optimized tires could be massive and it’s good news that Pirelli’s technology chief Maurizio Boiocchi says we can expect to see them on high-end supercars in the next five years.

While that means you’ll still have to go through quite a few sets of tires before this trend-setting tech trickles down to mass market sales, you can at least look forward to a new driving metric within the next decade.

Pondering the next element of driving that might benefit from data collection, what about braking points on a track? There are already transmissions that use GPS data to optimize shift points on a circuit, and the same concept could be applied to braking points. If there was a system that analyzed the best possible braking zone based on your vehicle and the track layout, drivers learning a circuit could turn over braking on the first few laps to the computer before taking over. But perhaps that’s too invasive … I’ve had a lot of coffee today.

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Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Cars

You can now lease a Hyundai EV on Amazon—and snag that $7,500 tax credit

amazon autos hyundai evs lease ioniq 6 n line seoul mobility show 2025 mk08

Amazon has changed how we shop for just about everything—from books to furniture to groceries. Now, it’s transforming the way we lease cars. Through Amazon Autos, you can now lease a brand-new Hyundai entirely online—and even better, you’ll qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit if you choose an electric model like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, or Kona EV.
Here’s why that matters: As of January 2025, Hyundai’s EVs no longer qualify for the tax credit if you buy them outright, due to strict federal rules about battery sourcing and final assembly. But when you lease, the vehicle is technically owned by the leasing company (Hyundai Capital), which allows it to be classified as a “commercial vehicle” under U.S. tax law—making it eligible for the credit. That savings is typically passed on to you in the form of lower lease payments.
With Amazon’s new setup, you can browse Hyundai’s EV inventory, secure financing, trade in your current vehicle, and schedule a pickup—all without leaving the Amazon ecosystem.
It’s available in 68 markets across the U.S., and pricing is fully transparent—no hidden fees or haggling. While Hyundai is so far the only automaker fully participating, more are expected to join over time.
Pioneered by the likes of Tesla, purchasing or leasing vehicles online has been a growing trend since the Covid pandemic.
A 2024 study by iVendi found that 74% of car buyers expect to use some form of online process for their next purchase. In fact, 75% said online buying met or exceeded expectations, with convenience and access to information cited as top reasons. The 2024 EY Mobility Consumer Index echoed this trend, reporting that 25% of consumers now plan to buy their next vehicle online—up from 18% in 2021. Even among those who still prefer to finalize the purchase at a dealership, 87% use online tools for research beforehand.
Meanwhile, Deloitte’s 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study reveals that while 86% of U.S. consumers still want to test-drive a vehicle in person, digital tools are now a critical part of the buying journey.
Bottom line? Amazon is making it easier than ever to lease an EV and claim that tax credit—without the dealership hassle. If you're ready to plug in, it might be time to add to cart.

Android

Gemini AI coming to cars as Android Automotive update suggests it’s due soon

The 6.8-inch Pioneer digital media receiver installed in a vehicle's dashboard.

Google appears to be getting ready to sends its Gemini AI into cars through an Android Automotive update.

This would make sense as Android Automotive already uses Google's Assistant to help with those much-needed in-car hands-free requests.

Cars

Watch from the passenger seat as the new Porsche 911 GT3 sets a record at the Nürburgring

911 GT3 with Weissach Package (Manual Transmission), Nürburgring Nordschleife 2025, Porsche AG

If you've ever wanted to race at top speeds around one of the most iconic racetracks in the world, then now is your chance. A new Porsche 911 GT3 just set a record for the fastest time around the Nürburgring in a road car with a manual transmission, knocking almost 10 seconds off the previous best time. And Porsche has released a video of the run filmed from the cockpit, so you can experience the thrills for yourself.

The record was set by legendary driver and Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister at the wheel of a 911 GT3 with the Weissach package, setting a time of 6:56.294. That's 9.5 seconds ahead of the previous record set by the Dodge Viper ACR in 2017 -- though there's some math involved in these time calculations as the track was reconfigured in 2019.