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2026 Le Mans Entry List Revealed
Andrew Evans
February 20, 2026
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Genesis aims for Lamborghini model with Magma GT
Honda converts former Super GT race car into GT7 sim rig
Lawrence Stroll acquires more of Aston Martin
Volga brand to return, based on Chinese tech
Goodwood Festival of Speed highlights Singer
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Genesis is set to introduce the Magma GT, a mid-engine supercar that will serve as the foundation for a new performance sub-brand, reflecting a commitment to long-term production akin to established brands like Lamborghini. With aspirations to integrate motorsport elements, particularly in GT3 racing, Genesis aims to create a comprehensive performance lineup that extends beyond a singular model.
Volga is preparing to reintroduce its brand with a new model that appears to be derived from a Changan SUV, featuring a traditional design aesthetic. Following a previous attempt to launch vehicles in 2024, the company is now promoting its first model through teasers and has plans for additional offerings in the lineup.
Polestar is set to enhance its vehicle interiors by reintroducing physical controls, a shift aimed at improving user experience for those who prefer tactile adjustments over touchscreen navigation. Additionally, the automaker plans to expand its selection of interior color choices and refine its infotainment system to better cater to a younger demographic.
Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M, has revealed that the famous motorsport-derived branding might appear on a flagship off-roader, with BMW already rumored to be working on a rival for the Mercedes G-Class and Defender OCTA. Citing the Dakar Rally as an example of a motorsport event that takes place off-road, van Meel suggested that there’s no contradiction between M’s ethos and larger, heavier off-road vehicles.
The Supreme Court has invalidated extensive tariffs implemented by the White House, deeming them an inappropriate exercise of executive power, with a 6-3 ruling that affects duties on imported vehicles and parts. This decision may lead to reduced car prices, although it is unlikely to revert fully to pre-tariff levels due to remaining tariffs on steel and aluminum.
The Jaecoo 8, a new seven-seat SUV from the Chinese manufacturer, is set to enter the UK market, competing against established models like the Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Santa Fe. Featuring a modern design and a hybrid powertrain that offers over 90 miles of electric range, this vehicle is expected to start at approximately £45,000, with a range of advanced technology and comfort features included.
Volkswagen is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the GTI by reintroducing the Golf GTI Roadster, a bold concept originally designed for the Gran Turismo 6 video game in 2014. This striking vehicle features a twin-turbo V6 engine generating 503 horsepower and employs an all-wheel drive system, distinguishing it from traditional front-wheel-drive GTIs.
A federal judge has upheld a $243 million jury decision against Tesla related to a fatal Autopilot incident in Florida, effectively ending the automaker's attempts to overturn the verdict. This ruling comes amidst a surge of lawsuits concerning Tesla's driver-assistance features, as the company faces increasing legal challenges and scrutiny over its marketing practices and safety claims.
Nissan has issued another pair of recalls for vehicles powered by its VC-Turbo engine, with a combined 640,000 2023-2025 Rogue SUVs affected. One of the recalls affects the electronic throttle body assembly, while a second relates to the same engine bearing defect that saw more than 400,000 Nissan and Infiniti cars recalled in 2025.
MOTORSPORT
The upcoming 94th Le Mans 24 Hours will feature a grid of 62 vehicles, although the Hypercar class will see a reduction in competitors, dropping to 18 entries due to Porsche's withdrawal from the World Endurance Championship. While the absence of Porsche and Action Express Racing leaves only three Cadillac entries, the field remains diverse with eight manufacturers, including the addition of Genesis, and a notable increase in the LMP2 category, which will include 19 cars this year.
Lawrence Stroll is set to acquire the naming rights for the Aston Martin Formula 1 team in a £50 million deal as the company seeks to improve its financial situation. Although the agreement requires formal shareholder approval, it has received preliminary support from investors representing a majority stake in the organization.
Charles Leclerc set the fastest time overall in the first pre-season F1 test at Bahrain, eclipsing Kimi Antonelli’s time from the previous day in the Mercedes by eight-tenths of a second. McLaren and Red Bull drivers also set competitive times, while Alpine was quickest of the midfield cars and Cadillac the slowest of the cars that registered a time.
Mercedes has introduced a novel modification to its F1 rear wing design during the final day of 2026 pre-season testing in Bahrain, adding a small extension that functions as an additional element. This enhancement aims to minimize airflow separation issues, improving downforce during cornering while also reducing drag in straight-line conditions, thereby optimizing overall wing performance.
Aston Martin faced significant challenges during its Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, primarily due to persistent technical difficulties with its new Honda engines. The team experienced multiple power unit issues, leading to limited track time and a slower performance compared to competitors, prompting a reassessment of its testing strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Following the initial track activities of the 2026 Formula 1 season, drivers have expressed a range of opinions, with some, like Lando Norris and George Russell, offering positive feedback, while others, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, have raised concerns about the new vehicles. The FIA is considering potential adjustments to energy deployment regulations based on these early reactions, aiming to enhance the overall performance and racing experience as the season progresses.
McLaren is advocating for a gradual refinement of the regulations set by the FIA, ACO, and IMSA for 2030, which could pave the way for the brand to produce customer vehicles in the future, as noted by James Barclay, the executive director of McLaren Endurance Racing. Additionally, Barclay, who has taken on the role of team principal for McLaren United AS, emphasized the importance of establishing a successful factory program while actively participating in discussions regarding the upcoming regulatory framework.
Joe Gibbs Racing has initiated legal action against former competition director Chris Gabehart, alleging he misappropriated sensitive company information to benefit a rival NASCAR team, Spire Motorsports, following a failed request for greater authority. The lawsuit claims that Gabehart's actions resulted in damages exceeding $8 million and seeks to prevent him from further breaches of his contractual obligations regarding confidential data.
Jeff Dodds, the CEO of Formula E, has disclosed that discussions have taken place with several current Formula 1 drivers interested in experiencing the new Gen4 vehicle. Set to debut in Season 13 later this year, the Gen4 marks a significant regulatory shift for the electric racing series, with ongoing tests already revealing impressive performance metrics.
CURIOSITIES
Honda Racing Corporation has unveiled the SIM-02, an advanced simulator crafted from a retired NSX-GT chassis that previously competed in the SUPER GT series. This innovative setup features a projection system that displays Gran Turismo 7 directly onto the car's windshield, providing a unique racing experience that combines real-world elements with virtual gameplay.
The Central Feature at the Goodwood Festival of Speed is a highlight, not only for the remarkable vehicles showcased but also for the impressive engineering that allows them to be displayed in unique arrangements. In 2026, Singer Vehicle Design will take center stage, recognized for its innovative reinterpretations of the Porsche 911, and its presence at this prestigious event underscores the brand's significant influence in the automotive industry over the past 17 years.
This weekend, the official Gran Turismo channels will broadcast a unique race featuring top drivers competing for their esports teams, marking a significant shift in the GT World Series' approach to the esports community. The event, which ran over the World Finals weekend in late 2025, will feature a range of well-known esports teams represented by drivers who qualified for the main event.
Nio has achieved a significant milestone in battery-swapping technology, with over 165,000 swaps completed in a single day, coinciding with the busy Lunar New Year travel period in China. This accomplishment highlights the efficiency and convenience of battery swaps, offering a viable alternative to traditional refueling methods for electric vehicle owners.
Introducing your children to the world of motorsports can be an engaging experience, especially with the electric F1-style kart available at Costco for $599, which features branding from Aston Martin's sponsors. Designed for kids aged eight and older, this adjustable kart can reach speeds of 12 miles per hour, making it a fun option for young enthusiasts, although it has a weight limit that may prevent parents from joining in.
Canadian law enforcement is facing scrutiny for employing drones to monitor distracted driving, a tactic that resulted in several tickets but has raised significant concerns about its appropriateness. Following public backlash and legal challenges, authorities have ceased using drones for this purpose, acknowledging the potential for distraction and questioning the legality of such enforcement methods.
International custom automotive projects often provide a refreshing perspective, and a BMW E30 coupe powered by a Swedish turbo engine certainly stands out among the typical American builds. Jacobsen Motorsport, a passionate rallycross team from Norway, has transformed this classic into a formidable competitor, showcasing a blend of ingenuity and local support while participating in various racing events.
As winter fades, the anticipation for driving a lightweight British sports car on sunny roads grows, despite the typically high costs associated with such vehicles. The Ginetta G20, a stripped-down road racer from the early 2000s, stands out as an affordable option at £9,950, offering an exhilarating driving experience with its minimal weight and straightforward mechanics.
A woman from Los Angeles is taking legal action against a local Honda dealership, claiming they falsely reported her BMW as stolen to facilitate its repossession after her financing fell through. The lawsuit highlights her wrongful detention by police, who later classified the incident as a civil matter rather than a criminal theft, amidst a backdrop of rising auto loan defaults and repossessions across the country.
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