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

• Drive to Survive returns in March

• Lancia Fulvia to return?

• Art school sells 105 classic cars

• F1’s new race director plan

• Jeep teams up with Ford for Super Bowl ad

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

During this year's Super Bowl, Jeep took center stage when it teamed up with Ford for an advert. The ad featuring Harrison Ford, rather than the Blue Oval, showed off themes of adventure, community, and the essence of American life, reminding viewers of the importance of connection and personal freedom amidst challenging times. [The Autopian]

Ram was another brand to showcase a Super Bowl advert, as other marques opted out this year, with a dynamic commercial featuring Hollywood star Glen Powell. The ad, based on fairytale theme, saw three versions of Ram trucks in a variety of whimsical situations that also showed their off-road and towing capabilities. [The Autopian]

Lancia looks set to revive the Fulvia, as the brand experiences a swell in popularity fueled by nostalgia for its historic rally successes. Despite its storied past in motorsport, the brand's sales have struggled due to a lack of unique identity, but Ypsilon, Gamma, and Delta models are on their way back over the next few years and an intellectual property rights filing for the Fulvia name suggests this model may soon follow. [Electrek]

Rivian has ended its exclusive partnership with Amazon, allowing the company to offer its electric vans to a broader range of commercial clients. While the vans are now available for purchase by various businesses, they must be registered for commercial use, excluding personal buyers. [The Verge - Transportation]

Tesla has reintroduced free lifetime Supercharging for new Model X purchases or leases, a move that follows a similar offer for the Model S last year. However, this incentive is linked to the owner's account and cannot be transferred, and the recent price increase of $5,000 places the Model X above the threshold for federal tax credits, effectively raising its cost by $12,500 for eligible buyers. [InsideEVs]

Renault is reviving its classic van names as it prepares to launch a new lineup of electric models, including the charming Estafette, designed for urban deliveries with its tall and narrow profile. The upcoming range will also feature the Goelette and Trafic, both of which are set to be built on a new platform developed in collaboration with Volvo and CMA CGM, with production expected to begin next year. [Car Throttle]

BMW claims that its electric M models will handle better and corner faster than ever before, courtesy of a unique four-motor setup and a centralized control system. The first battery-electric M is expected to be an M3-sized sedan based on the Neue Klasse platform, due in 2027. [BMW Blog]

The placement of charge ports on electric vehicles can be directly traced back to a garage in a house rented by Elon Musk. Tesla opted to place the charge port for the Model S on the rear of the car in order that Musk didn’t trip over the cable in this garage, setting a standard that other manufacturers have since followed. [Carscoops]

MOTORSPORT

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has announced that the 2025 Formula 1 season will see the introduction of multiple race directors, although it remains uncertain if current director Rui Marques will retain his position. This change follows a history of using several race directors in the wake of previous controversies, suggesting a shift in the governance of race officiating in the sport. [RacingNews365]

Honda is reassessing the potential for its Acura ARX-06 to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship's Hypercar category, following a successful return with a new look in the IMSA GTP series. HRC US President David Salters has indicated that while there are challenges to address regarding business viability and customer programs, the company is actively exploring opportunities to participate in the growing endurance racing landscape. [RACER]

Zak Brown reflected on the challenging atmosphere he faced upon joining the team during a difficult partnership with Honda. Since then, McLaren has made significant strides, culminating in a championship victory in 2024, as Brown addressed the need for substantial changes within the organization to overcome its initial struggles. [RacingNews365]

Kimi Antonelli has shared insights about his strong bond with Toto Wolff, highlighting the support he receives during both challenging and successful times. As he prepares to make his Formula 1 debut at 18, Antonelli reflects on his extensive experience with Mercedes and his role in mentoring Wolff's son in karting. [RacingNews365]

Mick Schumacher remains optimistic about a potential return to the F1 grid despite his recent absence from the championship. Currently focused on his role in the World Endurance Championship, he emphasizes his commitment to that series while still cherishing the aspiration of rejoining Formula 1. [RacingNews365]

The Stake F1 team plans to auction the car that will debut its 2025 livery during the F1 75 Live event, marking a significant moment as it prepares to transition to the Audi works team next season. This unique vehicle, crafted from carbon fiber and designed to reflect the upcoming race car, will be available for global shipping through F1 Authentics, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of Formula 1 history. [RacingNews365]

Kyle Chaney made history by winning the King of the Hammers "Race of Kings" in a Can-Am UTV, outperforming competitors with significantly more power and higher costs. Despite a challenging course that included a newly introduced section, Chaney's strategic driving and reliable equipment led him to a decisive victory, while defending champion JP Gomez finished in second place. [RACER]

Bernie Ecclestone recounted his interactions with Donald Trump during efforts to establish a Formula 1 race in New Jersey, which ultimately fell through after multiple delays. Despite the challenges posed by Trump's insistence on prominent branding, Ecclestone humorously noted that he suggested Trump had not yet requested his name on the toilet paper. [RacingNews365]

FUN STUFF

The seventh season of Netflix's Formula 1: Drive to Survive is set to premiere on March 7, just ahead of the 2025 season's opening at the Australian Grand Prix. This upcoming installment is expected to highlight key moments from the previous season, including the intense rivalry between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, as well as notable team dynamics and driver changes throughout the year. [Car Throttle]

The Academy of Art University in San Francisco is auctioning off over 100 vehicles from its collection, in order to clear space for more cars from the 1960s-1980s which resonate with current students' interests. This transition reflects changing automotive preferences and aims to enhance educational engagement in the university's automotive programs. [The Drive]

A new film titled "F1," featuring Brad Pitt as a retired racer drawn back into the sport, is set to premiere in June 2025, with Lewis Hamilton involved as a producer and technical consultant. The recently unveiled trailer showcases intense racing moments and dramatic incidents, and the film was shot at various grand prix events throughout 2023 and 2024. [RacingNews365]

Faraday Future has put one of its rare FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance models up for sale, marking a unique opportunity for collectors. With only 16 units sold since its launch, this particular vehicle features advanced technology and luxurious amenities, but potential buyers should be cautious due to the company's uncertain future and the car's complex components. [Autoblog]

Scammers are sending text messages requesting payment for fake parking tickets, offering recipients a low payment to avoid a much higher fine. Authorities advise that text messages are never used to request payment, and to not respond to any such demands and block the originating number. [Carscoops]

A recent incident in The Woodlands, Texas, saw a Subaru Crosstrek become stuck in a precarious position, wedged vertically between two SUVs. The driver was unable to exit the vehicle independently and was treated at the scene, while local authorities are investigating the unusual parking mishap. [The Drive]

Jeep has come under fire over a pop-up ad that appears on one owner’s infotainment display every time he stops the car. The owner recently expressed his annoyance on Reddit regarding the ad which Jeep says is intended to inform owners about extended vehicle care options, highlighting manufacturer tactics in upselling products and services. [Carscoops]

A supercharged Saleen Mustang with an intriguing provenance has come up for auction. The former press vehicle, which features unique characteristics that include a 351 Windsor V8 engine and a striking Canary Yellow finish, later went on to be owned by boxing legend George Foreman. [The Drive]

The Pagani Zonda R Evo was recently driven at full throttle on the Circuit of the Americas by Devin from the Fastrrr YouTube channel, who captured the exhilarating experience on camera. With its powerful AMG-sourced 6.0-liter V-12 engine producing 800 horsepower and a distinctive six-speed sequential gearbox, the footage showcases the car's impressive performance and captivating sound. [Motor1]

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