Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:

• Cordless drill-powered Lada

• Electric Porsche 718 spotted testing

• Rexy race car’s parts stolen

• Official Ferrari home gym for sale

• Extreme E sees gender pace-gap closing up

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

The 2025 Shelby GT350 and GT350R were unveiled at the Barrett-Jackson auction, marking the 60th anniversary of the original GT350's introduction by Carroll Shelby. Both models feature various performance enhancements and customization options, with the GT350 offering up to 810 horsepower and the GT350R reaching 830 horsepower, designed for both street and track use. [Jalopnik]

Porsche’s upcoming battery-electric 718 Cayman has been spotted testing on the road for the first time, showing a car well into its development, having been initially slated for release this year. It’s not likely that the production car will be revealed in full in 2025, amid uncertainty surrounding EV demand and legislation, and Porsche’s own buoyant sales of the existing, ICE-powered 718. [PistonHeads​.com]

Recent testing of a BMW i5 equipped with a NACS port suggests that future models may incorporate the feature, meeting a plan revealed by the brand in 2023. BMW had announced its intention for its electric vehicles to utilize Tesla's Supercharger network, but until now there had been no BMWs so equipped, and retrofitting current vehicles poses significant technical challenges. [BMW Blog]

General Motors is monitoring the potential impact of President Trump's proposed 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, but has not yet altered its North American strategy. While the company has developed a range of contingency plans, it will refrain from implementing them until there is a significant and lasting change in tariff levels. [NYT Automobiles]

Ford is planning to ramp up production of budget-friendly trims for its Bronco and Maverick trucks, but continues to avoid traditional cars, as it seeks to mitigate tightening budgets and potential tariff challenges on models manufactured in Mexico. The brand experienced a 4.2% increase in US sales last year, totaling over 2 million vehicles, and aims to further boost these figures by enhancing its entry-level offerings. [Motor1]

The upcoming Fiat Grande Panda EV, priced at £20,975, is set to launch in the spring and will be one of the most affordable full-sized electric vehicles in the UK, offering a 44kWh battery with a range of 199 miles. With a design that pays homage to its predecessor while incorporating modern features, the new model will expand Fiat's Panda lineup with additional variants planned for the coming years. [Autocar]

Genesis will transition to an all-electric lineup in the UK, ceasing the sale of its internal combustion engine models as supplies dwindle. While this change is set to take effect once current stocks are exhausted, the brand has indicated plans to introduce hybrid options in the future, along with new electric vehicles slated for release in the coming years. [Autocar]

Hyundai and Kia are set to enhance their electric vehicle offerings in 2025 with the introduction of new models, including Hyundai's IONIQ 9 and Kia's EV5 and EV3. Despite a slight decline in global sales last year, the sibling automakers are optimistic about a rebound, driven by the anticipated success of these electric SUVs and a growing market presence in North America. [Electrek]

Infiniti will discontinue its QX50 and QX55 compact SUVs following the 2025 model year, while introducing an updated QX60 and a new QX65 SUV in the coming years. The brand's sales strategy includes producing enough units of the outgoing models to meet dealer demand until mid-2026, despite the QX50 being a strong seller in 2024. [Car and Driver]

Automakers like Stellantis, GM, and Rivian are exploring patents for drone systems that assist in off-road vehicle maneuvering. The integration of drones into off-roading could revolutionize navigation by providing real-time data to drivers, particularly in challenging terrains where visibility is limited, reducing the need for human spotters. [The Autopian]

MOTORSPORT

Tommy Milner of Corvette Racing expressed considerable disappointment with a fellow driver during recent Rolex 24 race, gesturing his dissatisfaction with the driving standards of the Augusto Farfus. Milner later criticized the incident, in which his car was sandwiched between the factory BMWs of the lapped Farfus and Connor de Phillippi and damaged while leading the class, expressing that such tactics do not align with the principles of sports car racing. [The Autopian]

Ferrari has continued to stoke the excitement over Lewis Hamilton's transition to the team by unveiling his new race suit, ahead of more test sessions in older machinery in Barcelona. The team is set to unveil the 2025 car which Hamilton will drive alongside long-term driver Charles Leclerc on February 19, following a promotional event in London. [RacingNews365]

Last season, Extreme E made significant strides in reducing the performance gap between male and female drivers, achieving a 36.5 percent improvement in lap times. Over its four seasons, the mixed-gender series has demonstrated that with equal opportunities and resources, women can compete effectively, as evidenced by a nearly 70 percent reduction in the time difference between genders which now stands at a median of 0.61s. [RACER]

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has a remarkable attribute that convinced Mercedes he was the right driver to replace seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, according to driver development advisor Gwen Lagrue. Lagrue, who has been part of Antonelli’s development curve since the Italian was 11, highlights the driver’s adaptability in the face of both success and challenges as qualities that Mercedes believes will be crucial as he embarks on his F1 career. [Autosport]

AO Racing has expressed disappointment over the theft of parts from the garage of its “Rexy” Porsche 911 during the 24 Hours of Daytona, reminding fans that even damaged components belong to the team and should not be taken without permission. While the team is not seeking for anyone to be punished, it emphasizes the importance of respecting paddock protocols and understanding the value of all race car parts, regardless of their condition. [The Drive]

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu emphasizes the necessity for the team to expand its resources to prevent overburdening its current staff, which numbers around 330 - significantly lower than competitors like Williams. While acknowledging the dedication of his team, Komatsu warns that relying on their exceptional efforts is unsustainable and stresses the importance of creating a more balanced work environment to achieve consistent performance improvements. [RACER]

Adrian Newey has spoken more about the circumstances surrounding his departure from Red Bull Racing, ahead of his new role with Aston Martin. Reflecting on a “crazy” 12 months, Newey remarked that he had to leave to “remain true to myself”, and eventually deciding with his wife Mandy that he would remain in F1 rather than retire or switch to road car design or even America’s Cup boats. [RacingNews365]

The Goodwood Revival has been honored with the Motorsport UK Environmental Sustainability Award during the Night of Champions event, recognizing its use of sustainable fuels throughout its entire racing schedule in September. Receiving the award, the Duke of Richmond expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing the event's role in promoting the adoption of eco-friendly fuels and committing to sustainability in future motorsport activities. [Autosport]

FUN STUFF

A creative project has transformed a dilapidated Lada into an electric vehicle powered by an unconventional setup of 50 cordless drills, assembled by the YouTube channel Garage 54. This unique conversion showcases a complex arrangement of motors linked to a common crankshaft, resulting in a visually striking and functional vehicle that successfully completes initial tests despite some chaotic moments. [Jalopnik]

A Ferrari-themed home gym is available for sale in Inglewood, California, featuring a striking red design and various workout options. This officially licensed Ferrari product from Technogym features several Ferrari touches, including the tan leather and Ferrari logos, but doesn’t come cheap at almost $17,000. [The Drive]

In an effort to combat rising auto theft, a suburb in Colorado is distributing free GPS tracking devices to residents, aiming to deter criminals by making vehicles less vulnerable. The initiative not only provides a means for owners to monitor their vehicles via smartphone but also includes a visible decal to warn potential thieves of the tracking capability. [Carscoops]

A Turin-based company has revealed an upgrade for the classic Ferrari F40, which features changes that make the car more accessible without compromising its essence. The F40 can be a challenging car to drive as highlighted by some recent crashes, and Officine Fioravanti’s Ferrari F40 Alte Prestazioni features upgraded suspension, improved braking system, and larger wheels to make it an easier experience. [Motor1]

Law enforcement often employs everyday cars to blend in with the crowd in order to catch bad drivers in the act, and while most unmarked cars belong to certain brands and can be easy to spot as a result there’s been some particularly unusual vehicles used. Notable examples include vehicles like the Subaru Ascent and Mazda MX-6, but otherwise unassuming minivans have also been part of police fleets. [Jalopnik]

Age and gender are no barriers to being a car enthusiast, as exemplified by 79-year old Annie Koehler, known as "Hot Rod Granny Annie". She developed a deep appreciation for cars from a young age, alongside her sister, with her passion now highlighted by a 1957 Cadillac turned into a laid-back hot rod by her son, with which she competes in burnout contests. [The Drive]

If you’re pining for the days of affordable, rear-wheel drive sports cars, then a Honda S2000 which is listed for auction will scratch that itch. This well-preserved 2008 AP2 model in Laguna Blue Pearl is almost completely standard save a head-unit change, and has just 15,000 miles on the clock. [Carscoops]

An example of the rare Crayford convertible version of the MkII Ford Cortina has become available to buy, as one of only around 400 units produced after the original Mk1's limited run. This particular model, which has been well-preserved with just two owners over five decades, showcases a striking Ermine White exterior and Biscuit interior, making it a unique find for enthusiasts and collectors alike. [PistonHeads​.com]

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