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2025 Le Mans Entry List Revealed
Andrew Evans
March 04, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Six-wheel Suzuki Jimny for sale
Lanzante to develop three-seat supercar
F1 rule change over damaged cars
Bertone Runabout V6 coming in 2026
AI-driven Maserati sets speed record
...and more!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Lanzante, renowned for its expertise with McLaren vehicles, has unveiled plans for a limited-edition supercar that pays homage to the McLaren F1's historic victory at Le Mans three decades ago. Dubbed 'Project 95-59', this new model will feature a three-seater layout and is expected to use a powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, aiming for an impressive power-to-weight ratio while also incorporating practical elements for long-distance travel.
Bertone is reviving its iconic Runabout concept from 1969, introducing a modern version that features a powerful 460hp V6 engine and two body styles, Targa and Barchetta, aimed at providing distinct driving experiences. With design elements that blend classic aesthetics with contemporary flair, the new Runabout is set to attract attention when production begins next year, starting at €350,000 plus VAT.
Honda has introduced an independently developed fuel cell module that boasts increased power output and efficiency while being more compact and cost-effective than its earlier version. Set for mass production in 2027, this new module is designed to support a variety of applications beyond passenger vehicles, though specific future uses remain undisclosed.
The implementation of a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico is set to increase vehicle prices for American consumers, particularly affecting models produced in those countries or using their parts. While immediate effects may be muted due to existing dealer inventories, future purchases are expected to reflect significant price hikes, potentially leading to reduced sales and shifts in the automotive market.
The Jeep Compass, which has been in the market for nearly nine years, is set to receive a complete redesign aimed at revitalizing its appeal against newer competitors. Teaser images hint at a robust new look, and while details remain scarce, the upcoming model will use Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform and offer a range of hybrid and electric powertrains.
Audi has introduced the A6 Avant, marking it as one of the last diesel models from the brand and one of the few remaining diesel estate options available. This model features a distinct design that leans towards a sportier aesthetic, while offering a choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel hybrid engines, alongside advanced technology options like air suspension.
Honda has revised its production strategy, opting to keep the next-generation Civic manufacturing at its Indiana plant instead of shifting it to Mexico, as initially planned. This change, influenced by rising costs and the potential impact of tariffs, has postponed the start of production to May 2028, with an expected output of approximately 210,000 vehicles annually.
Mansory's latest creation, dubbed the "Elongation", takes the already controversial Tesla Cybertruck and amplifies its design with an overwhelming amount of carbon fiber and gaudy embellishments. While the exterior may provoke strong reactions, the interior has been upgraded with more inviting materials, offering a stark contrast to the outlandish modifications made to the vehicle's exterior.
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling nearly 60,500 electric vehicles, including the 2021-2023 ID.4 and 2022-2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron models, due to a software issue that may prevent the "N" gear indicator from appearing, potentially leading to unsafe rollaway situations. A dealer-installed software update will address the problem, and owners will be notified to schedule the necessary service by April 25, while being advised to ensure the parking brake is engaged in the meantime.
MOTORSPORT
The lineup for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans has been revealed, scheduled to take place from June 11 to 15, featuring a total of 62 vehicles across three categories. Among the competitors, 21 Hypercars, 17 LMP2s, and 24 LMGT3s will participate, including notable returns from major manufacturers and the addition of Wayne Taylor Racing, while Ferrari aims for its third consecutive overall win.
The FIA has revised two regulations in Formula 1, one of which addresses issues stemming from last year's Canadian Grand Prix incident involving Sergio Perez and his damaged vehicle. These updated rules now empower the race director to mandate that drivers with severely compromised cars exit the track promptly, while also requiring those starting from the pit lane to participate in the formation lap, ensuring a more uniform procedure.
Oscar Piastri has expressed uncertainty about the clarity of the competitive guidelines between him and McLaren teammate Lando Norris as they head into the new Formula 1 season. With both drivers eager to contend for victories, Piastri hopes that any potential team orders will not interfere with their ability to race each other openly and fairly throughout the year.
Aston Martin faces a delay in integrating its new chief technical officer, as a court ruling mandates that Enrico Cardile must adhere to a gardening leave until July 18th, a year after his hiring was announced. This decision, stemming from a complaint by Ferrari regarding a non-compete agreement, will hinder Cardile's contributions to the team's upcoming car amid significant regulatory changes in Formula 1.
Red Bull's technical director, Pierre Waché, has indicated that the evolution from the RB21 to its predecessor is significantly more pronounced than the transition from the RB19 to the RB20. This shift comes as the team aims for a more manageable design after facing challenges with the previous model's balance and performance characteristics.
George Russell has expressed worries that the upcoming transition to narrower tyres in Formula 1 may negatively impact performance, citing challenges experienced during preliminary tests. In contrast, Charles Leclerc reported a surprisingly favorable experience with the new prototypes, suggesting that the differences in handling may not be as significant as anticipated.
Christian Mansell, a 20-year old F2 driver set to race for Rodin, has announced his temporary withdrawal from competition, citing personal reasons. While he has previously advocated for social issues and disability awareness, details regarding his sabbatical and his replacement in the upcoming season remain undisclosed.
For the 2025 season, the FIA will increase the number of stewards from three to four at six selected races, including the season opener in Australia, to enhance oversight during high-demand events. This adjustment, outlined in the updated sporting regulations, aims to improve the stewarding process by allowing an additional official to assist with preliminary evaluations while maintaining the decision-making authority within the full panel.
Katherine Legge, a seasoned competitor in sports car racing, is set to make her NASCAR Cup Series debut this weekend at the Shriners Children’s 500 in Phoenix, marking the first time a woman has participated in this top-tier stock car series since 2018. With a diverse racing background, including five starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and notable achievements in endurance racing, Legge will pilot the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports, expanding the team's original schedule.
FUN STUFF
A unique Suzuki Jimny has been transformed into a six-wheeled vehicle, complete with a custom pick-up bed, thanks to the efforts of Mocho Fabrication in the UK. This modified 2019 model retains its original engine while featuring upgraded interior elements and is currently listed for sale at £45,000 on eBay.
A team from Italy’s Politecnico di Milano, a science and technology institute, has set a new land-speed record for AI-driven cars, with a Maserati MC20 reaching 197.7mph without any driver on board. The record, set at the Kennedy Space Center’s Launch and Landing Facility, beat the old mark of 192.8mph set by the same team as part of an effort to test AI driving responses at their limits.
Residents in London are facing significant financial demands from Lambeth Council, which is asserting that many are illegally accessing their properties by driving over sidewalks. The council has begun identifying homes in Streatham Vale that lack authorized vehicle crossings, requiring homeowners to pay substantial fees for approval and potential infrastructure modifications.
Hertz has enlisted Tom Brady to help boost its used car sales and promote a sweepstakes featuring a signed 2023 Cadillac XT5, valued at $30,000. This partnership comes as the rental company seeks to rebound from significant financial losses, with Brady set to appear in various advertisements and at the center of the giveaway initiative.
The chronology of the Fast & Furious series becomes increasingly complex after the release of Tokyo Drift, particularly with the fourth installment, Fast & Furious, intended as a sequel to 2 Fast 2 Furious and positioned before Tokyo Drift. To clarify the connections between these films, particularly the relationship between Dom Toretto and Han, viewers may find value in the lesser-known prequel, Los Bandoleros, which was released alongside the Blu-Ray of Fast & Furious but remains difficult to access through mainstream channels.
The 1955 brochure for the Ford-Köln Versailles, Régence, and Marly presents a unique blend of automotive history and linguistic quirks, as all three names refer to variations of the same vehicle. Notably, it features an amusingly misinterpreted "eclair" button, which actually controls the car's lights rather than dispensing pastries, highlighting the car's French origins despite its German marketing context.
Visiting a national park offers a unique way to appreciate America's stunning landscapes, and riding in a vintage bus enhances that experience. The 1937 White 706, a classic vehicle once used in Yellowstone National Park, is now available for auction after a comprehensive restoration, showcasing its historical significance and charm.
The John Wick franchise has solidified its status in the action genre since its debut over ten years ago, with a new spin-off centered on Ana de Armas' character, Ballerina, scheduled for release this summer. In the original film, the protagonist's vintage Ford Mustang, identified as a Boss 429, plays a pivotal role, though enthusiasts debate its identity due to the rarity and specific features.
On a snowy day in Mie, Japan, Masayuki Kani and his family gathered for a memorable shoot featuring his R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R, a car deeply intertwined with his family history and motorsport legacy. The vehicle, meticulously built to reflect its Group A racing roots, serves as a poignant reminder of Masayuki's late father and their shared passion for iconic Japanese performance cars.
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