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Anime Teaser for New Toyota Sports Cars
Jordan Greer
November 04, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today, we're still recovering from the absolute chaos of the Brazilian Grand Prix, while Toyota has taken some unusual steps to tease some upcoming sports cars with an original anime series. If you find these stories as thrilling as we do, why not share the excitement with friends who might enjoy our daily dose of automotive wonders? Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Toyota has launched an original anime series titled "GRIP: A Toyota Story," which serves as a marketing tool while drawing inspiration from the iconic street racing manga Initial D. The series features a team of young racers in a future where human driving is threatened by autonomous vehicles, and it hints at the potential revival of Toyota's performance models, including the Celica and MR2, amid ongoing discussions about the future of the GR lineup.
Bentley's new CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser, aims to guide the brand into the electric age while maintaining its luxury identity, emphasizing the need for electrification and potential for sportier models. He acknowledges the challenges ahead, including the postponement of Bentley's first electric vehicle to 2026, and highlights the importance of craftsmanship and the company's unique heritage in his strategic vision.
A report reveals that Tesla's test drivers, part of a team known as Project Rodeo, face pressure to avoid intervening in potentially dangerous situations while testing the automaker's Full Self-Driving software, even as they navigate public roads. Interviews with several current and former drivers highlight a culture of risk-taking, where the collection of real-world data often prioritizes software performance over safety, leading to scenarios where vehicles may run red lights or come dangerously close to pedestrians.
ALPINA has unveiled the 2025 BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR, a high-performance SUV that emphasizes customization through its bespoke MANUFAKTUR program, featuring exclusive materials and finishes. Priced at €190,500 in Germany, the XB7 MANUFAKTUR includes unique design elements, a handcrafted interior, and advanced suspension systems, but it will not be available for sale in the United States.
Toyota is rumored to be developing two versions of the FT-Se concept, one electric and one gasoline-powered, with potential release dates in 2026 and 2027, respectively. While the electric model is expected to feature advanced battery technology and dual motors producing up to 500hp, skepticism remains regarding the feasibility of launching two similar sports cars given the financial constraints of the segment.
Chevrolet's 2025 Silverado EV RST will feature a new four-wheel steering system called "Sidewinder," which allows for lateral movement but does not enable full sideways motion, limiting its practical applications. While the system could aid in navigating tight spaces or rugged terrain, it is viewed as more of a supplementary feature rather than a transformative addition, with the Silverado EV RST starting just below $90,000.
Aptera has unveiled its first production-intent prototype of its unique electric three-wheeler, which features a new Vitesco drive unit and aims to integrate a solar array that could add up to 40 miles of range daily. Despite securing $60 million in recent funding, the company has faced production delays and has not confirmed a definitive start date, though it estimates first deliveries could begin in 2024.
The Toyota Hilux Champ, initially launched as an affordable pickup for Asian markets, has been transformed by Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand into a race-ready vehicle for the Super Pickup championship, featuring significant modifications such as a custom bodykit and upgraded suspension. Powered by an enhanced 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine, the truck made its competitive debut earlier this year and will be part of a one-make racing series set to begin in Thailand next year.
Hyundai Rotem, the Korean marque's heavy machinery arm, has been showcasing the K3 Main Battle Tank over the past few months. While it may initially utilize a diesel engine, the K3 is designed for future hydrogen-only operation, with capabilities including autonomous driving, drone deployment, and radar-absorbent paint to enhance stealth. Development is projected to continue until 2030, with military deployment not expected until 2040.
MOTORSPORT
Max Verstappen's victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix marked a significant achievement, making him only the sixth driver in Formula 1 history to win from 17th or lower on the grid. Despite challenging conditions, he showcased his skill by advancing quickly through the field and ultimately winning by a substantial margin of 19.477 seconds.
Alpine's Formula 1 team achieved a significant boost in its season by securing second and third place finishes at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, resulting in a total of 33 points that elevated the team from ninth to sixth in the constructors' championship. This performance, marked by challenging weather conditions, has the potential to increase its prize money share by up to $50 million if it maintains its position over the next three races.
Lance Stroll crashed twice during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend, first during qualifying and again on the formation lap, leading to an aborted race start. His initial crash at the Senna S contributed to a red-flagged qualifying session that affected other drivers, including Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, who did not advance past Q2.
McLaren's Lando Norris and Mercedes' George Russell received a reprimand and a €5,000 fine for violating the FIA's start procedure during the Brazilian Grand Prix after Norris prematurely left the grid, prompting others to follow suit. The incident occurred when Aston Martin's Lance Stroll spun out during the formation lap, leading to an aborted start and confusion among drivers regarding the proper protocol.
Max Verstappen secured his 62nd career victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, overcoming a 17th-place starting position, and moving closer to his fourth consecutive drivers' title with a 62-point lead over Lando Norris. Following recent criticism from the British media, Verstappen humorously noted their absence at the post-race press conference, prompting laughter from fellow drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell's tyre pressures were adjusted after the wheels were fitted to their cars, violating technical directive 003, but the stewards acknowledged the unusual circumstances surrounding the race's aborted start and grid access challenges. Although such a breach typically warrants a sporting penalty, the stewards deemed a fine appropriate due to the teams' compliance with legal tyre pressure limits and the logistical difficulties they faced.
Laurens Vanthoor, Kevin Estre, and Andre Lotterer secured the World Endurance Championship Hypercar drivers' title during the Bahrain season finale, while Toyota claimed the manufacturers' championship after a tight race. Despite a challenging race that included setbacks for several teams, Sebastien Buemi's comeback drive ultimately led to a victory over the factory Ferrari team, while the sister #7 Toyota retired due to fuel pump issues, ending the title hopes for its drivers.
Lewis Hamilton drove Ayrton Senna's 1990 McLaren MP4/5B at Interlagos, describing the experience as emotional and a significant honor in his career. This demonstration coincided with the 30th anniversary of Senna's death and followed Hamilton's honorary citizenship in Brazil, where he expressed gratitude for the supportive crowd.
A technical controversy has emerged in Formula 1 regarding allegations that some teams, including McLaren, may have used water or another liquid to cool their tyres internally, potentially enhancing race performance. The FIA is investigating these claims, which arose after unusual liquid was observed in rims during the Singapore Grand Prix, despite regulations prohibiting the addition of moisture to tyres.
CURIOSITIES
Tom Cruise is exploring the possibility of a sequel to his 1990 racing film, Days of Thunder, following the success of Top Gun: Maverick, although there is currently no script, budget, or director in place. Paramount is in discussions with Cruise about the project, but the timeline for production remains uncertain, especially considering Cruise's age and the potential for audience fatigue with racing-themed films.
After the conclusion of "The Grand Tour" in mid-September, Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond reflected on their two-decade collaboration, with May noting that they had "exhausted the idea thoroughly" and preferred to end the show on a high note. May is now focused on a new project, "James May and the Dull Men," which he finds more exciting and intimate compared to their previous work.
Warner Brothers Discovery Global Consumer Products is producing a limited run of 10 real-life Tumblers, inspired by the Christopher Nolan/Christian Bale-era Batmobile, with each vehicle built on a new chassis made from aero-grade steel and featuring a GM LS3 V8 engine. Priced at $2,990,000, the Tumbler promises unique features such as a digital dashboard and two seats, while its construction includes Kevlar, carbon, and fiberglass, though details about its interior remain undisclosed.
AutoTrader conducted a challenge to determine whether a fast car driven by a slow driver is faster than a slow car driven by a fast driver, featuring former Top Gear host Rory Reid and GT Academy winner Jann Mardenborough at the Dunsfold Aerodrome. Reid drove the rear-wheel-drive Audi R8 while Mardenborough piloted an Audi S3, with the drivers achieving very close lap times.
After experiencing persistent wind noise following a windshield replacement on his Cybertruck, Arizona podiatrist Jay Larson found Tesla's service center unable to resolve the issue, claiming it was a normal characteristic of the vehicle. Frustrated, he purchased a $13 roll of silicone weather stripping from Amazon, which he used to seal the gap at the top of the windshield, successfully eliminating the noise.
The Garage 54 team has successfully installed a V-16 engine made from 16 chainsaws into a Lada, requiring modifications to the vehicle's engine bay and fenders. After completing the installation, they conducted a road test, achieving a speed of 37 miles per hour in 26 seconds, highlighting the unique engineering behind this unconventional build.
The final Nissan GT-R Nismo sold in the UK has become available to buy now, with the car having had significant treatment from specialist tuner Litchfield. Despite already being the most powerful model available in the range, Litchfield implemented modifications to increase output to 1,000hp, along with gearbox and suspension changes to maintain a manageable driving experience.
The Warped YouTube channel has put a tiny V-12 engine through a bench test in order to find out how much power the 50cc engine makes. Despite modifications and attempts to resolve various mechanical issues, the engine - made by Chuanqi and coming in at $3,000 - produced only 1.25 horsepower during testing, significantly lower than typical outputs for similarly sized engines.
A Tesla Cybertruck renter intentionally crashed the vehicle into a suspected package thief's getaway car, a Genesis G80, using the truck as a battering ram. The incident, which was captured on video and shared online, has sparked mixed reactions regarding the renter's actions and potential legal consequences, while the truck's owner faces the challenge of repairs and insurance claims.
In Arkansas, a high-speed motorcycle chase ended when a State Police officer deliberately collided with the rider after he attempted to evade arrest. Despite having no warrants, the rider faces multiple charges, including felony fleeing and reckless driving, while the aggressive tactics employed by police in such pursuits are again under scrutiny.
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