- SpeedBites
- Posts
- Another F40 Crashes, as Rare LM Damaged in Hit and Run
Another F40 Crashes, as Rare LM Damaged in Hit and Run
Andrew Evans
July 04, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Ferrari offers retrofit steering wheel to bring back buttons
Tim Mayer confirms bid for FIA presidency
Catering truck damages passenger jet in bizarre Boston crash
Alpine A290 Rallye honors brand’s rally legacy
Don’t ask Gene Haas if you can buy his F1 team
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Ferrari is reintroducing physical buttons in its vehicles, not only in upcoming models like the 296 Speciale and Amalfi, but also through a retrofit option for current owners. Set to launch in September 2025, this upgrade will enhance user interaction by replacing touch-sensitive controls with tactile buttons, ensuring improved functionality during high-performance driving.
Alpine has introduced the A290 Rallye, an all-electric racing vehicle that pays homage to its rallying legacy, including its victory in the first World Rally Championship in 1973. Developed at the brand's engineering hub in France, this model features significant motorsport enhancements and is set to compete in a special rally event later this year.
Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Phantom Dentelle, a one-of-a-kind sedan commissioned by a Dubai client as a distinctive gift for their father, drawing inspiration from intricate handmade lace crafted on a rare Leavers loom. This bespoke vehicle features a meticulously embroidered dashboard and console, along with a unique two-tone paint scheme, highlighting the brand's commitment to personalized luxury and craftsmanship.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial, designed primarily for utility, features a two-seat layout and a spacious cargo area, catering to practical needs rather than luxury. It’s currently destined only for the UK market, and is equipped with the same 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine as other Land Cruisers there, and its stripped-back nature comes with a £26,000 saving over the price of the standard machine.
The introduction of the Xpeng G7, an electric crossover SUV priced significantly lower than the Tesla Model Y, signals increasing competition for the American automaker in China’s booming EV market. With impressive range options, advanced technology features, and a strong initial demand, the G7 poses a notable challenge to Tesla's market position both domestically and potentially in other regions.
Skoda is set to reveal a new electric vehicle concept this September, with the unnamed wagon likely previewing an upcoming Octavia Combi EV model. The marque is currently second only to parent brand Volkswagen in EV sales in Europe, buoyed by recent electric SUV releases like the Elroq, but remains committed to the popular wagon bodystyle that has helped the existing Octavia Combi to keep its position as its best seller.
A recent ruling from the European Union’s General Court has seen Ferrari win back the rights to the Testarossa name after decade-long proceedings involving a German toy manufacturer. After earlier rulings that the name had become dormant, Ferrari successfully argued that it continues to use the name through certificates of authenticity for the model as well as selling parts, merchandise, and the vehicle itself through its dealerships.
This Independence Day weekend, over 72 million Americans are anticipated to travel, with a notable 61.6 million opting for road trips, marking a 2.2 percent rise from the previous year. The busiest travel days are expected to be July 2 and July 6, as many head to popular tourist destinations for festivities.
Mercedes-Benz recently provided an update on its upcoming all-electric VLE vans, which were spotted in Rome after completing an extensive 1,090-kilometer test drive across Europe. This evaluation focused on the vehicle's performance in diverse conditions, highlighting its adaptability for various uses, including family transport and VIP shuttles, as the company prepares to launch its new electric van architecture in 2026.
The latest Renault 5 concept, developed by delta4x4, transforms the electric vehicle into a rugged off-road contender, equipped with enhancements like a significant suspension lift and off-road tires. While currently a prototype, delta4x4 is considering production if there is sufficient demand, with an estimated conversion cost of under 20,000 Euros.
MOTORSPORT
Haas F1 team principal Ayao Komatsu has indicated that despite receiving multiple inquiries about a potential sale, team owner Gene Haas remains dedicated to the organization. As the team enters its tenth season, Komatsu noted Haas's increasing enthusiasm and involvement, particularly highlighted by his upcoming participation in the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Tim Mayer has initiated his campaign for the FIA presidency by criticizing the current leadership of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, emphasizing a need for genuine governance and accountability within the organization. Mayer, who was previously dismissed from his steward role, argues that his candidacy is focused on addressing leadership failures and enhancing support for grassroots motorsports rather than seeking personal revenge.
McLaren has made adjustments to the floor of its MCL39 Formula 1 car ahead of the British Grand Prix, along with a slight modification to the rear brake duct inlet, as the team seeks to solidify its lead in the constructors' championship. Meanwhile, competitors like Red Bull and Aston Martin have also introduced their own updates to enhance aerodynamic stability and overall performance as the season progresses.
Yuki Tsunoda expressed his gratitude for the confidence shown by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko as the British Grand Prix approaches. Despite a challenging recent performance in Austria, Tsunoda acknowledged Marko's direct feedback style and ongoing support, which he believes motivates him to improve on the track.
Despite ongoing speculation and rumors about Max Verstappen potentially making a move to Mercedes from 2026, current driver George Russell believes he’ll still be there next season. Russell’s own contract has yet to be renewed, but states that the likelihood of him leaving is “extremely low” considering his loyalty to the team and performances this season.
Max Verstappen has made it clear that he will not discuss his future in Formula 1 beyond 2026, despite ongoing speculation and inquiries from journalists, other than confirming he intends to remain in F1 next year. While he remains committed to Red Bull and acknowledges the uncertainties surrounding the upcoming regulations, he is also interested in balancing his F1 career with opportunities in GT racing.
Lewis Hamilton expressed his desire to savor the success of the recent "F1" film, cautioning against the hasty production of a sequel, which he believes could diminish its impact. As an executive producer, he emphasized the importance of reflection and improvement, suggesting that any follow-up should be approached with careful consideration rather than urgency.
Steve Nielsen is set to rejoin the Alpine team as its managing director, having previously been sporting director at the outfit under previous guises as Benetton, Renault, and Lotus. Nielsen, who has also previously held similar roles at other Formula 1 teams as well as the FIA itself, will begin overseeing daily operations at the Enstone facility on September 1, just in time for the Italian Grand Prix.
Williams and Gulf Oil have initiated a global campaign that invites fans to contribute words reflecting their sentiments about the team, which will be incorporated into a unique Formula 1 livery for the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix. This initiative aims to deepen the emotional ties between the team and its supporters, with submissions accepted until August 25, culminating in a design that will adorn the FW47 cars during the race in São Paulo.
CURIOSITIES
A Utah car collector recently reported a frightening incident involving his Ferrari F40 LM, claiming that a semi-truck executed a maneuver that forced him off course while he was driving on a busy highway. After sustaining significant damage to the vehicle, including the rear wheel and body, he is actively seeking information about the truck and its driver, emphasizing his desire to restore the iconic supercar and continue enjoying it.
An unusual incident at Boston’s Logan Airport has seen a van owned by the LSG Sky Chefs catering firm crash into a parked passenger jet. The Republic Airways Embraer E175LR, which had no passengers on-board at the time, sustained significant fuselage damage after the collision, while the driver suffered minor injuries with the cause of the incident unknown.
Law enforcement in Wisconsin dismantled a criminal network linked to luxury vehicle theft and drug trafficking, resulting in the arrest of 23 individuals. The investigation, which began with the discovery of a lost license plate, revealed a scheme involving the cloning of VINs and the laundering of proceeds through fictitious businesses.
A Toyota Starlet has been transformed into an extraordinary hillclimb vehicle by Finnish driver Mikko Kataja, featuring a dual-Hayabusa V8 engine that generates over 400 horsepower. Although the car was subsequently damaged in an incident during competition last year, Kataja is in the process of rebuilding it to resume action this season.
A recent law in Florida introduces jail time for drivers exceeding speed limits by 50mph or more, or reaching speeds of 100mph, with the first arrest occurring just two minutes after its enactment. Critics are voicing concerns about the law's fairness and its potential impact on overall road safety.
Brad Pitt has revealed that an incident during filming for F1: The Movie saw him having to drive around Silverstone Circuit without any audio communications. The issue occurred during a shoot ahead of the 2023 British Grand Prix, leaving Pitt without any way to talk to driving coach Luciano Bacheta and having to rely on experience gained from rehearsals all in front of a live, genuine F1 crowd.
Law enforcement apprehended two individuals at a storage facility in Bridgeview, Illinois, while they were in the process of disassembling stolen vehicles. The investigation revealed multiple stolen cars and numerous auto parts scattered across five storage units, prompting an ongoing inquiry into the operation.
A man was sentenced to 30 months in prison after stealing a USPS mail truck at knifepoint and leading police on a chaotic chase through Utah, which ended when he barricaded himself inside the vehicle. Despite the truck's lack of speed and agility, the pursuit lasted nearly an hour and a half before authorities apprehended the suspect without harm to the postal worker involved.
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!