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Assetto Corsa Rally Brings Offroad Focus to Sim Series
Andrew Evans
October 17, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Toyota’s FJ Cruiser set to return this year
Apple secures F1 TV rights
Bentley and Steinway team up for promotional pianos
The search for a new venue for Formula E’s UK round
EU regulators take aim at electronic door handles
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Toyota is preparing to reintroduce the FJ Cruiser with a new model set to be unveiled at an upcoming event in Japan, ahead of its global debut. While specific details are still limited, the revived SUV is expected to feature a classic design and a focus on affordability, appealing to both new buyers and fans of the original.
Concerns over the safety of electronic door handles have intensified in Europe, prompting regulators to prioritize design enhancements to ensure they can be opened during emergencies. Following incidents where occupants were trapped in vehicles due to these handles, authorities are urging manufacturers to implement changes and update safety regulations without delay.
The Cadillac Optiq electric crossover is set to launch in Europe next year, where it will be available alongside the Lyriq and Vistiq. While it features a smaller battery and reduced charging capabilities compared to its US counterpart, it does include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing its appeal to European consumers.
Xiaomi is intensifying its efforts to penetrate the European automotive market, recently formalizing a partnership with the Nurburgring racetrack that includes branding opportunities. The company is expected to launch its YU7 crossover soon, with the high-performance GT variant likely to compete directly with established models, showcasing impressive specifications and design enhancements aimed at maximizing performance.
The fourth-generation Jeep Wrangler will cease production for the European market by the end of this year, with final deliveries expected in early 2026. The decision stems from the vehicle's inability to meet evolving European safety regulations and emissions standards, prompting Jeep to reconsider the future design of the Wrangler.
The upcoming BMW i3, set to debut next year, will be the first all-electric variant of the 3 Series, boasting an impressive range exceeding 500 miles and promising an engaging driving experience. This sedan, designed on the new Gen6 electric platform, will compete with established models like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV and the Audi A4 EV, while also addressing the challenges posed by emerging competitors in the electric vehicle market.
Germany is set to reintroduce electric vehicle incentives aimed at low- and middle-income consumers, with a budget of €3 billion available from 2026 to 2029. Eligible purchasers of new EVs priced below €45,000 will receive up to €4,000, while the initiative will also extend to used electric vehicles for the first time.
Tesla has reintroduced its Mad Max driving mode within the Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite, prioritizing aggressive acceleration and rapid lane changes. This feature, while appealing to some drivers, raises potential legal issues as it often exceeds speed limits significantly, coinciding with an ongoing investigation into the FSD system's safety practices.
MOTORSPORT
Apple has secured a five-year agreement to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States, valued at approximately $750 million, starting in 2026. This arrangement will allow Apple TV subscribers in the US to access live F1 coverage and related content as part of their standard subscription, marking Apple's first significant foray into sports broadcasting.
Alberto Longo, co-founder of Formula E, has confirmed that the series will not continue racing at London's ExCeL Centre after the current season, as the venue's layout presents insurmountable challenges for the upcoming Gen4 cars. With the contract expiring soon and no possibility for an extension, the organization is exploring alternative locations in the UK for future races.
Haas has introduced a new floor design at the United States Grand Prix to enhance the performance and stability of its Formula 1 vehicle, while also allowing for greater flexibility in car setup. Despite limited resources, the team remains focused on improving its 2025 model, with hopes of closing the gap to Sauber in the constructors' standings, as it seeks to build on recent development efforts.
Lando Norris acknowledged that McLaren deemed him responsible for the incident involving Oscar Piastri during the Singapore race, although he refrained from discussing any specific consequences that may arise at the upcoming United States Grand Prix. Both drivers expressed satisfaction with the team's approach to the situation, emphasizing their commitment to clear communication and a unified racing strategy moving forward.
Fernando Alonso criticized the Formula 1 team radio broadcasts, labeling them as often unnecessary and poorly selected, particularly after his comments during the Singapore Grand Prix gained attention. He emphasized that these communications are typically private discussions with engineers that lack context when presented to the public, suggesting that the focus on such exchanges detracts from the overall racing experience.
George Russell expressed that Toto Wolff could have taken a firmer stance during their contract negotiations, which recently concluded with an extension announcement ahead of the United States Grand Prix. Despite some initial dissatisfaction regarding the contract's length and the ongoing interest in Max Verstappen, Russell confirmed his satisfaction with the terms, reportedly valued at £30 million annually.
Carlos Sainz has proposed a temporary adjustment to enhance the excitement of sprint races, suggesting that the current structure diminishes the unpredictability of the main event on Sundays. He believes that mandating the use of soft tires during sprint events could increase pit stops and add an element of surprise, while also advocating for a broader exploration of alternative formats to improve the overall experience.
Toyota plans to contest the five-second penalty imposed on Elfyn Evans after he accidentally struck a hay bale during the initial stage of the Central European Rally. Despite the team's argument that Evans lost time due to the incident, the stewards determined he violated regulations regarding chicane navigation, resulting in a drop in his overall standing.
CURIOSITIES
505 Games has announced the upcoming release of Assetto Corsa Rally, set to enter Steam Early Access on November 13, marking a new addition to the Assetto Corsa franchise. Developed by Supernova Games Studios with collaboration from Kunos Simulazioni, this rally simulator promises a high level of realism through laser-scanned environments and vehicles, alongside a refined, rally-focused physics engine.
In Hamburg, the Bentley Flying Spur Speed was unveiled alongside a duo of Steinway grand pianos, creating a striking visual and auditory pairing that highlights the craftsmanship of both brands. This collaboration focuses on the shared values of elegance and artistry, showcasing how automotive and musical excellence can co-exist.
Straight4 Studios has provided new insights into Project Motor Racing, set to debut next month, alongside a new game version presented at the Sim Racing Expo, with a trailer that emphasizes its innovative track surface technology. The clip reveals a variety of vehicles, new car classes and the Daytona circuit, while also featuring footage of various conditions under the True2Track circuit evolution technology.
Fanatec has introduced two new premium products at SimRacing Expo 2025 - the Podium DD wheel base and the Podium Pedals - both slated for release in the first quarter of 2026. The Podium DD features advanced direct drive technology with enhanced torque capabilities, while the Podium Pedals incorporate innovative design elements, including a forged aluminum brake pedal and customizable settings for a tailored racing experience.
Ed the Shed, a character inspired by a children's story, recently attempted to break the world record for the fastest shed, achieving an impressive average speed of 123mph during trials at Elvington Airfield. The vehicle, designed by Brian Cade, features a unique wooden body mounted over a chassis and V8 engine from a TVR, and Cade hopes to make it road-legal for family outings while pursuing further speed enhancements.
A Georgia motorcyclist, known online as DancingMoto, sustained severe injuries after being struck by police during a pursuit in heavy rain. While the influencer was attempting to evade police for unknown reasons, and without proper safety gear, the incident raises questions about the appropriateness of police tactics when apprehending bikers.
Miami-Dade County is pioneering the testing of a self-driving police vehicle equipped with advanced surveillance technology and drone capabilities, marking a significant evolution in automated law enforcement. This pilot program aims to assess the vehicle's impact on response times and community safety, although its future integration into the police fleet remains uncertain and may involve additional costs.
Recent data indicates a significant reduction in catalytic converter thefts across the UK, with an average decline of 98% in 2024 compared to 2021, based on responses from 30 police forces. Notably, South Yorkshire experienced a staggering drop from 850 incidents in 2021 to just five in 2024, while Humberside Police reported an 84.4% decrease in similar crimes during the same period.
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!