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233mph Corvette ZR1 is the Fastest Sub-$1m Production Car

Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today’s headlines include the astonishing, 233mph Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which is set to be the fastest production car you can buy for less than a million dollars. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS

The 2025 Corvette ZR1 is set to be GM's fastest production car, with its 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing over 1,000 horsepower pushing the car to 233mph. This record was verified during high-speed tests in Germany, where the ZR1 consistently exceeded 230mph

Honda’s upcoming Prelude revival, a hybrid sports coupe based on the Civic platform and set for a 2026 launch. It features a 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain and although details about a manual transmission remain unclear, project leader Tomoyuki Yamagami expressed interest in incorporating a “manual-style” option to enhance the driving experience.

BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse has called for the European Union to reconsider its 2035 ban on carbon dioxide-emitting vehicles, arguing that it could increase reliance on Chinese battery manufacturers and threaten the competitiveness of the European automotive industry. The regulations have raised concerns among automakers about potential market shrinkage and significant fines for non-compliance.

Kia will unveil its first pickup, the Tasman, at the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show on October 29, showcasing a body-on-frame design that distinguishes it from the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The truck is expected to offer both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, with a target payload of 2,200 pounds and towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, while an electric version may follow by the end of 2026.

Aston Martin has introduced the limited-edition DB12 Goldfinger, celebrating 60 years of its partnership with the James Bond franchise by incorporating design elements reminiscent of the iconic DB5. Limited to 60 units, this model features a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 680 PS, modern technology, and unique gold accents, with a price expected to exceed €300,000.

The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has undergone significant updates, featuring a redesigned interior, new technology, and revised engine options, including a shift to a smaller 1.5-litre engine for the entry-level model. Set to launch early next year, the updated model will offer enhanced features such as a larger infotainment touchscreen and advanced safety systems, while maintaining its performance credentials with the M235 Gran Coupe variant.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares announced that a performance review of the company's struggling brands, including Chrysler, will take place in two to three years as part of the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan. While Chrysler faces challenges with a limited model lineup and unclear recovery plans, potential developments like the Halcyon concept and rumors of an electric crossover may influence its future within the company.

Tesla's Semi is poised to enter volume production next year, following third-party confirmations of its 500-mile range and efficiency during trials, including one with DHL. The company is expanding its production capabilities with a new plant near its Nevada Gigafactory, aiming to produce up to 50,000 trucks annually, while also exploring potential manufacturing in Europe.

The Range Rover Sport is set to introduce a fully electric variant by 2025, following the launch of the all-electric Range Rover next year. Built on the MLA-Flex platform, the Sport Electric will retain a similar design to its combustion-engine counterparts while featuring advanced charging capabilities and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.

Porsche is set to unveil its first GT model of the 992.2 generation on October 18, featuring two variants likely to be the GT3 and GT3 Touring. A teaser photo hints at a racetrack-ready design, including a prominent rear wing and a roll bar, with the introduction led by GT model line director Andreas Preuninger.

Skywell has announced the Q, an electric hatchback designed for the European market, featuring a range of over 300 miles and a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 3.9 seconds. The vehicle, set to launch in the UK late next year, will include a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and is expected to be priced competitively around £30,000.

The new Volkswagen Golf R and Golf GTI Clubsport have been launched, featuring increased power and an updated Black Edition trim.

Alpine has revealed the A110 R Ultime, a limited-run, 110-example send-off for the petrol-powered A110. Featuring increased power and performance enhancements, with 50hp more than any other A110, the R Ultime has a starting price of £222,000 - three times that of the standard car.

MOTORSPORT

The FIA is in the early stages of developing technical regulations for the hydrogen category of the World Endurance Championship (WEC), with plans for hydrogen-powered cars to compete starting in 2028. Key manufacturers like Toyota, Alpine, and BMW have shown interest, while the governing bodies are prioritizing liquid hydrogen storage solutions and are considering the implications for both hydrogen combustion and fuel cell technologies in the sport.

Lando Norris is currently 52 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen with six races remaining in the 2024 Formula 1 season, necessitating an average gain of 8.9 points per race weekend to have a chance at the title. Here's how the F1 championship run-in looks, and what both drivers need to do across the final races - and sprint races - to take the title.

Red Bull Racing is under pressure to ensure a closer performance gap between its drivers, as Sergio Perez's points tally significantly trails Max Verstappen's, contributing to the team's declining position in the constructors' championship. With the potential for rookie Liam Lawson to replace Perez in the future, team principal Christian Horner emphasizes the importance of evaluating their driver lineup amid increasing competition from rivals like Ferrari and McLaren.

Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko acknowledged the impact of Adrian Newey's departure from the team, describing it as a significant loss despite the presence of emerging talent. Newey, who has been with Red Bull for nearly two decades and is recognized for his contributions to multiple championship-winning cars, will join Aston Martin next year, with Pierre Wache set to take on a key role in the technical division.

Having successfully courted the signature of Carlos Sainz, Williams team principal James Vowles emphasizes that this driver pairing reflects the team's commitment to becoming championship contenders. Vowles noted the positive dynamic between the drivers, stating that their shared goal of team success will enhance Williams' potential to improve its performance in the future.

McLaren has introduced a chrome-inspired livery for the United States Grand Prix in Austin, marking the fourth unique design the team has showcased in the 2024 season. This special look connects to the team's historical livery and its partnership with Google, following similar one-off liveries previously seen in Japan, Monaco, and Singapore.

Mercedes is set to introduce its final upgrade package of the season at the United States Grand Prix, aiming to enhance competitiveness and provide Lewis Hamilton with a chance to secure additional victories before his move to Ferrari in 2025. Team boss Toto Wolff emphasized the importance of this weekend's race as the start of a critical stretch, with six races in eight weeks, while also highlighting the challenges posed by the Circuit of the Americas' layout and limited practice time.

Alpine will showcase an Indiana Jones-themed livery at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, in collaboration with Xbox, to promote the video game "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle." Alongside the special livery, drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly will wear matching race suits during the event.

CURIOSITIES

On September 29, a McLaren 600LT crashed shortly after leaving a Cars and Coffee event at ACI Dynamix in Seymour, CT, as the driver attempted to show off. The incident resulted in significant damage to the vehicle's lower front bumper, while other attendees, including a BMW M3, also struggled with traction on the wet road.

Nissan's Project Trailgater, based on the updated Frontier Pro-4X, is designed for off-roading and tailgating, featuring a range of Nismo Off-Road accessories and a bed-mounted overlanding rack equipped with two 43-inch TVs and a soundbar. The truck also includes a custom interior with a lithium battery pack, refrigerator, and a fold-out kitchen station, and will be showcased at the upcoming SEMA Show alongside four other concepts.

European players of Gran Turismo 7 can participate in the "Michelin Alpin Challenge 2024," an online time trial event running from October 18 to October 31, with the chance to win a VIP trip to the Gran Turismo World Series Finals in Amsterdam. Participants will race on the Lake Louise Long Track using a Hyundai Genesis Gr. B Rally Car on snow tires, and only one eligible player will receive the trip based on their leaderboard position after the competition ends.

The Tesla Cybertruck and a modified DeLorean faced off in a race organized by Hoffman Manufacturing Corp, with the Cybertruck towing the DeLorean to the drag strip. In their quarter-mile run, the stock Cybertruck finished in 12.8 seconds at a top speed of 104 mph, while the DeLorean won with a time of 12.3 seconds and a top speed of 108.5 mph.

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