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A radical new Chevrolet Corvette concept
Jordan Greer
April 08, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Rare Super Bee A12 for sale
Trump tariffs impact Ineos prices and Audi shipments
Franco Colapinto's F1 return rumors
Genesis shines in LMP2 debut
Giant wheels on Kei trucks
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
General Motors has introduced a forward-thinking electric Chevrolet Corvette concept, highlighting the significance of its newly established design studio in the UK. This initiative, led by Julian Thomson, aims to revitalize GM's presence in Europe while exploring innovative design possibilities for the future of the Corvette brand.
Ineos Automotive has increased the prices of its Grenadier and Quartermaster models in response to tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, with the Grenadier now starting at $78,900 after a 5% rise, while the Quartermaster has seen a 10% increase, bringing its price to $92,900. Despite these adjustments, which reflect the impact of a 25% import tariff on vehicles manufactured in France, the company has chosen to direct criticism towards EU officials rather than the tariffs themselves, emphasizing their commitment to minimizing the financial burden on American customers.
Audi has suspended all vehicle shipments to the United States in response to newly imposed import tariffs, leaving dealers with approximately two months' worth of inventory. This decision mirrors actions taken by Jaguar Land Rover, as both manufacturers navigate the challenges posed by the recent trade policy changes.
A high-ranking official at Honda, Shinji Aoyama, has stepped down following an internal inquiry into allegations of inappropriate behavior during a social event. The company has expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing its commitment to upholding ethical standards and announcing plans to enhance its compliance measures moving forward.
Toyota is set to significantly expand its electric vehicle offerings, planning to introduce 10 new models by 2027, which will increase its global lineup to 15. As it ramps up production in various countries to enhance delivery efficiency and reduce tariffs, the automaker aims to regain competitiveness in the rapidly evolving EV market.
Tesla has removed the previously announced $16,000 Range Extender for the Cybertruck from its online store, leaving customers uncertain about its availability and the status of their deposits. Initially intended to enhance the vehicle's range, the accessory faced multiple delays and a reduction in its projected performance before disappearing from the configurator altogether.
MOTORSPORT
Franco Colapinto is preparing for a possible Formula 1 return in 2025 after testing with Alpine at Monza, following a promising debut season where he secured points in multiple races. Meanwhile, pressure mounts on rookie Jack Doohan, who has struggled in his first full season and faced scrutiny after a series of incidents, including a significant crash at Suzuka.
Genesis Magma Racing made significant strides last week, unveiling its GMR-001 concept at the Seoul Mobility Show and securing a notable second-place finish in the LMP2 class during the European Le Mans Series in Spain. The team's collaboration with IDEC Sport and the involvement of three rookie drivers highlight its commitment to a successful entry into the competitive world of endurance racing ahead of its Hypercar debut in 2026.
Liam Lawson has rejected claims that his brief tenure with Red Bull diminished his confidence, asserting that he maintains strong self-belief essential for competing in Formula 1. While team principal Christian Horner cited a need for care in the decision to replace him with Yuki Tsunoda, Lawson emphasized that his experience with the team was not as detrimental as portrayed, and he remains focused on his aspirations within the sport.
Mercedes attributes George Russell's race outcome to the strategic choices made during qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix. Despite Russell's efforts to execute an undercut on Charles Leclerc during the race, he ultimately finished fifth, with the team's decision in Q3 impacting their overall performance throughout the event.
The recent Japanese Grand Prix highlighted the ongoing challenges of overtaking in Formula 1, as low tire degradation and limited passing opportunities left the race largely unchanged from its starting grid. Despite efforts to improve aerodynamic efficiency with new regulations, the increasing complexity of car designs has exacerbated the dirty air issue, making it difficult for drivers to close in on their competitors.
Fernando Alonso has drawn parallels between Suzuka and Monaco, noting that success in both Formula 1 venues heavily relies on qualifying performance rather than race-day overtaking. Following a lackluster Japanese Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen secured victory from pole position, concerns have emerged regarding the diminishing excitement of races at these iconic circuits, prompting discussions about potential changes to enhance competition.
George Russell has reiterated his belief that McLaren currently possesses the most competitive package in Formula 1, suggesting that the team will thrive as the series moves to warmer venues. As the championship transitions to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, he anticipates that the rising temperatures will allow McLaren to showcase its true potential, despite acknowledging that the season is still in its early stages.
Oscar Piastri has joined an exclusive group in Formula 1 by securing a podium finish on his birthday, becoming only the seventh driver to achieve this feat. Celebrating his 24th birthday during the Japanese Grand Prix, he finished third, following Max Verstappen and his McLaren teammate Lando Norris, while only two drivers in history have managed to win on their special day.
FUN STUFF
April marks the arrival of Update 19 for Forza Motorsport, offering players on both consoles and PC a compact 1.7GB download that introduces a selection of new Porsche vehicles and events. This update features a dedicated Porsche tour and various challenges, allowing players to engage with both classic and contemporary models while earning rewards throughout the month.
Kei trucks, known for their compact size and limited power, are an unconventional choice for oversized tires, yet the team at CBoysTV decided to equip a Subaru Sambar with massive Sherp tires originally designed for an all-terrain vehicle. Despite the challenges posed by the significant weight and size of the tires, which altered the vehicle's dynamics and handling, the experiment showcased intriguing results, including the Subaru's surprising buoyancy in water.
The 1969 Dodge Coronet Super Bee A12, a rare muscle car with a storied past, is now available for sale after its owner, Steve Pearson, reacquired it decades after first owning it as a teenager. Despite making some personal modifications, including new wheels and an updated exhaust system, Pearson is parting with the vehicle, which has garnered attention in automotive publications and online channels.
Despite a long-standing demand for a new Ridge Racer installment, recent revelations suggest that fans may be further from that reality, as leaked footage has surfaced of a scrapped version of the game. The video, reportedly from a Nintendo Switch development kit, showcases an early prototype developed by Bandai Namco Studios Singapore, featuring a basic track design and familiar gameplay elements reminiscent of previous titles in the franchise.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!