Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…

Audi And Porsche Will Join Formula 1, VW Group Boss Confirms

What seemed like wild speculation a few years ago is now becoming a reality. VW Group CEO Herbert Diess has officially confirmed that both Audi and Porsche will enter Formula 1 in 2026. Although it remains unconfirmed, it’s understood that Porshe wants to establish a long-term relationship with Red Bull, while Audi continues to circle McLaren. 

New Land Rover Defender 30th Anniversary Edition For U.S. Pays Tribute To The Original

Thirty years ago, the Defender was first introduced to the U.S. market. So naturally,  Land Rover is commemorating the occasion with a special edition version of the new Defender. The 2023 Land Rover Defender 30th Anniversary Edition is a homage to the 1993 Defender 110 First Edition, itself limited to just 500 units. The 2023 interpretation will have the same number of examples, all coming in Fuji White, with 18-inch Gloss White Steel Wheels, an Expedition Roof Rack, front and rear Classic Mud Flaps, rubber mats, fixed side steps, a deployable ladder, wheel arch extensions, and an A-Frame. It’ll be available at select dealers priced from $75,000.

A Brand New 1987 Buick GNX With 9 Miles On The Clock Was Hiding In A Barn For 35 Years

The Buick GNX needs little introduction as an icon of the American performance car landscape. As values have risen in recent years, many have been stashed away, with collectors seeking them out. But this car is considerably different. It has just nine miles (15 km) on the clock, hidden in a barn for 35 years. It’s car number 414 of a total production run of only 547 and was parked by its owner and not driven since. It even has the original window sticker and protective interior coverings on it!

Tata Planning To Produce Its Own Semiconductors And EV Batteries

With new lockdowns in China further threatening supply chains for semiconductors, many in the automotive industry are looking for alternative solutions. For Indian car manufacturer Tata Motors, it means that the company is looking to venture into semiconductor and EV battery manufacturing. It comes as Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, looks to establish the country as a leader in chip manufacturing, in a bid to reduce its reliance on imports.

AMG Teases One-Off Sportscar With A G-Class Face Created By Will.I.Am

In what looks like it could be a photoshopped “what if” face swap, we’re assured that the Will.I.AMG is very much a real thing. The result of a collaboration between AMG and artist Will.I.Am, the teased creation features a sleek two-door silhouette combined with what looks to be the nose from a G-Class. The car is likely to be a one-off, similar to the Project Maybach x Virgil Abloh Concept from last year. Set to debut on May 5, the car is designed to raise money for school engineering programs.

Hyundai i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition Unveiled With Bronze Rims And Decals

The new i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition is Hyundai’s latest limited-edition model, with just 800 examples being produced. Visual tweaks to the exterior include 19-inch forged alloy wheels featuring a dark bronze matte finish, red and bronze decals on the lower part of the body, and special badges on the front fenders displaying the GPS coordinates of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The interior gets a unique numbered plaque, while there’s also Alcantara upholstery and red accents inside.

Nine Arrested After Boldly Stealing 5 New Camaros From GM’s Lansing Plant

Police in Michigan has arrested nine individuals after five new Chevrolet Camaro models were stolen from the General Motors plant in Lansing. The group of five cars was located on I-96. From there the chase was split into two, while Police ultimately used stop sticks to bring all cars to a halt.

What Else Is Making The News

Apple Accused Of Breaking Competition Law In Europe 

Apple has been accused by the European Commission of breaking competition laws. The EU Commission is investigating the firm restricting its rivals from accessing its “tap and go” tech associated with Apple Pay. Apple has denied the claims and will engage with the commission on the charges.

Facebook To Shut Down Podcast Platform 

Facebook will be closing down its podcast platform after just a year of operation. Also axed are the Soundbites and Audio hubs in an attempt to simplify the social media giant’s audio offerings.