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- Acura Integra Type R is a $200,000 Car Now
Acura Integra Type R is a $200,000 Car Now
Andrew Evans
July 28, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today, in our 200th issue:
Design legend Giorgetto Giugiaro injured in Land Rover crash
Norris praises team and team-mate Piastri after rain-affected Belgian GP
Cutesy racer Formula Legends now available as a free demo
Maserati planning a new “Super-GT” model with a manual gearbox
Drivers disagree over F1’s handling of rain delays
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Maserati is exploring the development of a new high-performance super-GT featuring a V6 engine and a manual transmission, aiming to reinforce its sporting legacy and luxury image. This limited-edition model, anticipated to debut next year, is expected to share its platform with the Granturismo and have a corresponding Alfa Romeo variant, reflecting the historical collaboration between the two brands.
Renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro was involved in an accident in Abbiadori, Sardinia, when he lost control of his Land Rover on a sharp curve and ended up in a ravine. Although he sustained significant injuries and was airlifted to a hospital, his son confirmed that Giugiaro is stable and optimistic about a swift recovery, though he will need to pause his motorcycle riding during this time.
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray has arrived in the UK but its pricing has caught many off-guard as the vehicle costs almost double the US starting price. Along with additional expenses related to homologation and right-hand drive conversion necessary for compliance with local regulations, the only variant available in the UK is the high-end 3LZ trim, narrowing the disparity between the pricings.
Maybach is poised to reclaim its status in the high-end automotive market with a renewed focus on its product lineup. After a challenging history marked by production gaps and branding issues, the company is now strategically introducing new models, including a luxury van and a revamped G-Class, maintaining a commitment to traditional combustion engines amid the industry's shift towards electrification.
Ferrari has identified a potential issue in its V12 Purosangue models produced until February 2025, where a short circuit may occur due to contact between the fuse box and the passenger footrest, possibly affecting braking performance. To address this, the company will instruct technicians to install a plastic spacer, and owners in the US will receive notifications by September 21, 2025, although many will likely be informed sooner through their dealerships.
QuantumScape, a California-based battery start-up, is nearing the initiation of pilot production for its innovative solid-state battery cells, thanks in part to over $260 million in investments from the Volkswagen Group. This funding will support the establishment of a production line in San Jose, where QuantumScape aims to develop an anode-free lithium metal battery that promises enhanced range and faster charging compared to conventional lithium-ion options.
Hyundai is enhancing its commitment to electric performance by establishing a new fast-charging station at the Nürburgring, a key location for the development of its N division. This facility, which is open to all compatible electric vehicles, underscores the brand's belief in merging high-performance driving with electrification, while also marking its evolution from budget-friendly options to a significant player in the electric vehicle market.
MOTORSPORT
Lando Norris acknowledged that his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri rightfully earned victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, stating that despite starting from pole position, he couldn't have caught Piastri even with an ideal performance. While Norris opted for harder tires during his pit stop, Piastri successfully managed his medium tires to secure his win, leading Norris to express pride in their team's achievement.
Charles Leclerc supported the decision to delay the Belgian Grand Prix start due to poor visibility caused by rain, countering criticism from some drivers, including Max Verstappen. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety, referencing past tragic incidents at Spa-Francorchamps, while race winner Oscar Piastri echoed the sentiment that erring on the side of caution aligns with drivers' preferences for safety over risk.
Lewis Hamilton acknowledged that adjustments within his engineering team contributed to the challenges he encountered during a difficult weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite a rough start, he managed to improve his position from 18th to 7th in the race, expressing optimism about future performance as he adapts to the new dynamics and car modifications.
George Russell has announced a significant meeting with Mercedes this week to address the team's recent decline in performance in Formula 1. After a disappointing race at Spa-Francorchamps, where he finished fifth but felt it did not reflect the car's true capabilities, Russell expressed the need for a thorough evaluation of the decisions made that may have contributed to the team's struggles.
Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, expressed regret to Yuki Tsunoda for a delayed pit call during the Belgian Grand Prix, which hindered his performance and resulted in a 13th-place finish despite a strong race. Mekies highlighted Tsunoda's impressive qualifying effort following a recent car upgrade and remains optimistic about the team's progress as they look ahead to future races.
During a pivotal race weekend, Alex Palou dominated the competition, leading the majority of the laps and securing his eighth victory of the season, significantly strengthening his lead in the championship standings. Despite some strategic plays from competitors like Christian Lundgaard and Colton Herta, Palou's performance allowed him to extend his points advantage to 121 with only three races left in the season.
Bubba Wallace secured his first victory since September 2022 by triumphing over Kyle Larson in a dramatic double overtime finish at the Brickyard 400, ending a nearly three-year winless streak. This win not only marked a significant personal achievement for Wallace but also represented 23XI Racing's inaugural victory of the season.
Nick Cassidy concluded his tenure with Jaguar on a high note by securing his second victory of the weekend at the Formula E London E-Prix, marking three wins in the last four races. Meanwhile, Porsche easily captured both the teams' and manufacturers' championships, while Mitch Evans initially finished second but was later relegated to fifth due to a penalty, allowing Nyck de Vries and Sebastien Buemi to round out the podium.
CURIOSITIES
The Acura Integra Type R has emerged as an example of a modern enthusiast collectible vehicle, highlighted by a recent sale of a 2001 model for over $204,000. Originally priced at nearly $25,000, this car's remarkable appreciation reflects a broader trend where once-accessible performance models now command prices comparable to high-end sports cars.
A new demo for Formula Legends has launched during the Steam Racing Fest, allowing players to experience enhancements and additional content until August 30. This iteration introduces various camera perspectives including a new cockpit cam, improved physics, and two race circuits, while the developers continue to refine the game in anticipation of its 2025 release.
A Pennsylvania senator is advocating for legislation that would mandate the display of front license plates alongside rear ones, citing benefits for public safety and law enforcement's ability to track criminal activity. While the proposal faces resistance from drivers concerned about aesthetics and inconvenience, the senator emphasizes the potential long-term advantages, including improved vehicle identification and support for toll enforcement.
Project CARS 3 will be removed from digital platforms on August 24, marking the end of its availability nearly five years after its initial release, with online services set to shut down six months later. While the game faced mixed reviews for straying from its simulation roots, a new title, Project Motor Racing, is set to launch on November 25, developed by former members of Slightly Mad Studios and promising a fresh take on racing.
A motorcyclist narrowly escaped serious injury after crashing into a car at high speed during a police pursuit in Southern California. Despite the dramatic fall and subsequent skidding along the freeway, he was later seen running down the road before being apprehended by law enforcement.
Effective October 1, 2024, Florida House Bill 1365 prohibits overnight camping or sleeping in public spaces across the state, with strict criteria for any designated exceptions, including the presence of security and access to essential services. This legislation aims to address issues related to homeless encampments but complicates the situation for travelers and individuals seeking affordable overnight resting options.
A sheriff in West Virginia has urged residents to reconsider the ethics of using high beams to alert drivers about speed traps, despite acknowledging the practice as a form of free speech. Following public backlash, the police department removed the post and disabled comments, as criticism mounted regarding the implications of warning motorists about law enforcement presence.
A Tennessee court has dismissed claims against Volvo Car USA from a movie producer alleging that his XC90's speaker system caused permanent hearing damage, allowing the lawsuit to continue against Volvo Car Corporation in Sweden. The judge ruled that the plaintiff failed to provide sufficient evidence linking Volvo USA to the alleged injury, as the vehicle was manufactured by the Swedish division.
Hertz's new AI damage assessment system, designed to enhance objectivity in vehicle inspections, has instead led to significant customer dissatisfaction due to perceived inaccuracies and inadequate support during disputes. Many renters are now sharing strategies to navigate the challenges posed by this technology, including documenting vehicle conditions before and after rentals to counter potential false damage claims.
For those yearning for adventure without waiting for the perfect vehicle setup, a German traveler is undertaking an extraordinary journey from Berlin to the outskirts of Kazakhstan in a vintage BMW 5 Series equipped with a rooftop tent. This expedition, documented on the YouTube channel E34 Expeditions, emphasizes the joy of exploration with minimal gear, highlighting the spirit of adventure over flashy modifications.
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!