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- 525hp Ariel Atom 4RR Marks 25th Anniversary
525hp Ariel Atom 4RR Marks 25th Anniversary
Andrew Evans
July 03, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Forza Motorsport developer loses nearly half its staff in Xbox cuts
Ex-steward Tim Mayer to bid for FIA presidency
BMW M2 CS sets a Nurburgring Nordschleife lap record
McLaren shows off chrome livery for British Grand Prix
Prodrive reveals its updated driving sim rig, designed by Ian Callum
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Ariel has introduced the 4RR edition of its Atom sports car to celebrate 25 years of the model, featuring a significantly enhanced Honda engine that delivers 525bhp and 406lbft of torque. Limited to just 25 units, this model is the most powerful vehicle ever produced by Ariel, and is a more circuit-focused version of the road-legal car.
The BMW M2 CS has claimed the title of the fastest compact car at the Nürburgring with a lap time of 7:25.534, surpassing the previous record held by the Audi RS3. This achievement highlights the vehicle's impressive performance, boasting a powerful 523 horsepower and specialized engineering that contribute to its remarkable speed and handling.
European automakers, including Stellantis, are facing potential fines that could total €15 billion due to difficulties in meeting CO2 emissions regulations. Stellantis' European head, Jean-Philippe Imparato, indicated that the company must significantly increase electric vehicle sales or reduce production of internal combustion engine vehicles to avoid a potential €2.5 billion fine, which may lead to factory closures.
A recent recall announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration affects nearly 444,000 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles due to a potential defect in engine bearings that may result in engine failure. This situation adds to Nissan's challenges, as the company faces declining sales and financial pressures, despite some promising developments in their electric vehicle lineup and recent quality rankings.
Akrapovic has partnered with Bentley to create a new lightweight exhaust system for the hybrid-only Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur models. This titanium and superalloy system reduces weight by up to 10kg compared to standard options and enhances the sound profile of the 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engines, providing a more dynamic auditory experience when driving.
Polestar is set to start manufacturing its new compact crossover, the Polestar 7, in 2028 at Volvo's latest facility in Slovakia, which is currently under construction. This model will be the brand's first produced in Europe and will incorporate advanced technology shared with Volvo, while ensuring it retains distinct characteristics that align with Polestar's performance-oriented identity.
The new head of American brands at Stellantis, Tim Kuniskis, has stated that the SRT performance division is returning to the company’s offerings. A short teaser video revealing the revival of SRT features prominent V8 engine noises, although it remains to be seen how, when, and on what models the badge will be reintroduced.
Honda and Sony's joint venture, Afeela, has reported a significant operating loss of approximately $362 million, reflecting the steep costs associated with entering the luxury electric vehicle sector. Despite their strong financial backing, the companies face considerable challenges in competing against established brands in a market characterized by high development expenses and intense competition.
BMW is reportedly planning to enhance security against wheel theft by introducing uniquely designed locking bolts that can only be removed with a specific tool provided by the manufacturer. While details on which models will adopt this feature remain uncertain, the upcoming 3 Series, i3, and X5 are set to launch in 2026, alongside a refreshed 7 Series.
The CEO of Synhelion emphasizes that synthetic fuels will serve as a supplementary option alongside electric vehicles rather than a primary solution for reducing transport emissions. He notes that while their production is less efficient than directly powering electric cars with renewable energy, they can still play a role in energy storage and should be produced in optimal locations before being transported.
MOTORSPORT
Reports indicate that Tim Mayer plans to announce his candidacy for the FIA presidency in the upcoming December election, challenging current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The 59-year-old, who has previously held significant roles in various racing organizations and was controversially dismissed as an FIA steward last year, will address the media on the eve of the British Grand Prix.
At the upcoming British Grand Prix, McLaren will debut a unique livery inspired by its collaboration with Google Chrome, which was revealed during the McLaren Racing Live event in London. This design, named Legacy at Speed, aims to connect with both long-time supporters and newer fans, celebrating the team's rich history while highlighting its modern partnership.
Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull, has dismissed ongoing rumors about Max Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes, emphasizing the Dutch driver's contract with Red Bull remains binding until 2028. Despite speculation fueled by recent comments from George Russell and others, Marko insists that Verstappen is not in a position to negotiate with rival teams, reiterating that the situation has not evolved.
Carlos Sainz has confirmed his dedication to Williams, dismissing speculation about a potential return to Red Bull amid ongoing rumors surrounding Max Verstappen's future. Despite facing challenges with the FW47, Sainz remains focused on his multi-year contract with Williams and expresses confidence in the direction the team is headed.
Charles Leclerc has expressed concerns that the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars may be less enjoyable to drive, a sentiment that has not been fully shared by team leaders who suggest that the new regulations will evolve positively. The changes include reduced downforce and increased drag, which could alter driving dynamics, while the introduction of hybrid power units and active aerodynamics raises questions about energy management and overtaking capabilities.
Williams is facing a perplexing reliability issue with its Mercedes engine as it heads into the British Grand Prix, following a disappointing double retirement in Austria. While teammate Carlos Sainz's brake problems seem isolated, the recurring nature of Alex Albon's engine troubles has raised significant concerns within the team, prompting them to conduct tests to identify the cause during practice sessions.
Arthur Leclerc is set to return to Formula E for a rookie test in Berlin, where he will drive for Maserati, a team he has previously been associated with. He will be joined by Theo Pourchaire, the 2023 Formula 2 champion, who is also eager to gain more experience in the electric racing series after his earlier participation with the team.
Oliver Solberg is set to return to the World Rally Championship at Rally Estonia this month, where he will drive Toyota's Rally1 car instead of his usual WRC2 vehicle. The 23-year old, currently leading the WRC2 standings, expressed his excitement about the opportunity and emphasized the importance of gaining experience in the new car during the rally.
CURIOSITIES
Turn 10 Studios, the team behind Forza Motorsport, has experienced significant layoffs, losing nearly half of its workforce amid broader job reductions across Microsoft's gaming divisions. This substantial cut raises concerns about the studio's ability to continue developing new titles, although it may still support existing projects in the Forza series.
Prodrive has unveiled an enhanced version of its high-end sim racing setup, which boasts luxurious materials and advanced technology, elevating the experience of virtual racing. This upgraded rig features customizable leather upholstery, a bespoke plaque, and a sophisticated audio system, all housed within a striking carbon fiber shell, though specific details about the racing hardware remain unclear.
Navigation applications can sometimes direct users onto hazardous routes, leading to risky situations, as demonstrated by a man in the UK who followed directions onto a high-speed road while on a mobility scooter. Although these apps primarily cater to standard vehicles there is a growing need for them to accommodate alternative modes of transport, with the incident highlighting the importance of users exercising caution and judgment when following digital directions.
Big Red, a custom-built RV designed for overlanding, is now up for sale after its creators, Jon and Jess, realized they needed funds for their next project. Originally a firetruck, this unique vehicle has been extensively modified to include off-grid features and modern comforts, making it both functional and visually appealing, despite its brief usage.
An unnamed 58-year old Australian man, reported to be a pharmacist, has been accused of making false claims through the country’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme totalling an equivalent of US$7m, spending the ill-gotten gains on a fleet of vehicles. Authorities investigating the alleged fraud seized a dozen high-value cars that included a custom Lamborghini Aventador SVJ and Ultimae, an MSO-modified McLaren 765LT, and a selection of Ferrari and BMW models from a property in Dural, New South Wales.
Video evidence from a nearby convenience store challenges the initial account of a collision involving a Chicago police vehicle and a Chevrolet Equinox. The footage indicates that while the Equinox cautiously entered the intersection after yielding to traffic, the police car accelerated through stopped vehicles, resulting in a high-speed impact with the Equinox.
In Florida, a dispute between Quinson Croson and a garbage truck driver in a Wawa parking lot turned violent, resulting in Croson facing two charges of attempted murder and one for firearm possession as a felon. The altercation reportedly began when the tow truck driver advised Croson, a bar manager, to leave due to his intoxication, leading to a dangerous escalation.
This July 4th marks the 50th anniversary of the sealing of a significant time capsule in Seward, Nebraska, which contains various items from 1975, including a Chevrolet Vega. As the city prepares for a celebratory parade, it aims to present the preserved vehicle, despite uncertainties about its condition after decades of storage.
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