MDWigs: This is another example of where Misato's car has been modified. The original Alpine Renault A310's were clutch-type manual transmission cars, while this one is a clutchless auto.
Kendrix: The Gainax staff, being huge nerds themselves, never miss out on an opportunity on showing us machinery in gorgeous detail. Fingerless gloves and cool if slightly don't-try-this-at-home-y things with cars are, of course, another classic "cool action movie" staple.
Also, look at this other gracious use of scenes with very different perspectives/ "zooms" being shown in rapid succession, but remaining interconnected by lots of cleverly placed fast movement
