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Aston Martin's 214mph Drop-Top
Andrew Evans
March 26, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Lawson out, Tsunoda in at Red Bull?
Nissan reveals new Micra as a retro-EV
Gran Turismo 7 update inbound, with new AI feature
Wehrlein joins Nasr and Tandy for Porsche Le Mans bid
£60,000 Aston Martin simulator rig
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
The Vanquish Volante, a convertible version of the recently updated coupe, features a similar V12 engine and advanced technology while offering an open-top driving experience. Although it is slightly heavier due to structural reinforcements and the roof mechanism, it maintains impressive performance metrics, including a top speed of 214mph and a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds.
Nissan is set to reintroduce the Micra as an electric vehicle this year, developed in tandem with the Renault 5 and tailored for the European audience. This new iteration, which showcases design elements reminiscent of the 2002 K12 Micra, will be produced in France and is part of Nissan's plan to release three new electric models in Europe by 2026.
Chevrolet has implemented a policy requiring Corvette ZR1 owners to retain their vehicles for a year before selling, or they risk being blacklisted and voiding the warranty for subsequent buyers. While this approach aims to deter resellers, it primarily complicates the experience for future owners rather than effectively curbing the resale market.
Concerns about data privacy are growing as modern vehicles increasingly incorporate technology that tracks driver behavior. A recent analysis by Nationwide Vehicle Contracts highlights that many manufacturers, particularly Kia, present lengthy and complex privacy policies that are often overlooked by consumers, making it difficult for them to understand how their data is being used.
Tesla will not be participating in future federal electric vehicle rebate initiatives in Canada, as the government has suspended $43 million in rebates claimed by the company shortly before the program was halted. This decision follows concerns over Tesla's rebate claims, which were deemed suspicious due to the unrealistic number of vehicle deliveries required within a short timeframe, prompting an investigation into the matter.
Vehicle depreciation varies significantly among different brands, with certain models retaining their value much better than others. According to iSeeCars, while electric vehicles tend to depreciate rapidly, traditional sports cars like the Porsche 911 and 718 Cayman demonstrate remarkable value retention, losing only 19.5% and 21.8% of their worth, respectively, over five years.
Concerns among automotive enthusiasts regarding the absence of manual transmissions are growing, as traditional gear systems become less common in combustion engines and electric vehicles rarely feature multiple gears. To enhance the driving experience for fans of manual gearboxes, Ford has patented a system that simulates gear shifts in EVs, potentially allowing drivers to experience a more engaging connection with their vehicle's power delivery.
Nissan's latest iteration of the Leaf marks a shift from its previous hatchback design to a larger crossover format, reflecting the evolving demands of the electric vehicle market. Built on the same platform as the Ariya, this new model is anticipated to offer various powertrain options while being manufactured in Europe, signaling Nissan's ongoing commitment to expanding its electric lineup despite a cautious approach to phasing out traditional combustion engines.
Peugeot is set to revive its GTi badge with the upcoming electric e-208, as confirmed by CEO Alain Favey, who emphasized the importance of this return for the brand's heritage in the context of electrification. While the timeline for its release remains vague, the e-208 GTi is expected to leverage the successful performance features seen in other small electric vehicles built on the same platform.
MOTORSPORT
Red Bull looks to have made the controversial decision to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after only two races, sending Lawson back to its junior team, Racing Bulls, ahead of the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix. This choice, reportedly made during a meeting in Dubai, has sparked surprise within the Formula 1 community and highlighted the team's notorious approach to managing its driver lineup after initially overlooking Tsunoda for the 2025 seat.
Formula E world champion Pascal Wehrlein is set to make his debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving a third factory Penske Porsche 963 after his recent experience at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. He will join a talented lineup featuring Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy, aiming to contribute effectively to the team while gaining valuable insights from this prestigious endurance race.
Red Bull is expected to announce Yuki Tsunoda's promotion to its main team for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, replacing Liam Lawson, who has faced significant challenges in his recent races. Honda, a long-time supporter of Tsunoda, is expected to back this transition at both its and Tsunoda’s home grand prix, further solidifying his potential future with Red Bull despite their impending partnership with Aston Martin next season.
McLaren's CEO, Zak Brown, has praised team principal Andrea Stella for his crucial role in the team's pursuit of championship titles this season. With a strong start marked by victories in Australia and China, McLaren currently leads the constructors' standings while Lando Norris holds a narrow edge in the drivers' championship.
Carlos Sainz expressed confusion over a significant drop in his performance since joining Williams, particularly evident during the Chinese Grand Prix, where he struggled to keep pace with teammate Alex Albon. Despite having shown strong potential in pre-season testing, Sainz is now left analyzing the reasons behind his unexpected difficulties, with the possibility of switching to a different chassis for the upcoming race in Suzuka.
Ollie Bearman has acknowledged that his radio messages during the Chinese Grand Prix may have come across as impolite, despite his intention to convey excitement after overtaking rivals. Following a challenging start to the season, he ultimately finished eighth after the disqualification of two competitors, reflecting on the pressure and strategy involved in making successful passes in Formula 1.
Haas experienced a stark contrast in performance between the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix, with significant struggles in Melbourne revealing critical issues with their VF-25 car's aerodynamics, particularly in high-speed corners. Despite a commendable recovery in Shanghai, where both drivers scored points, team principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized the need for ongoing improvements, as the circuit's characteristics temporarily masked the underlying problems that still require resolution.
Toto Wolff, the principal of Mercedes, has announced that he will not attend the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix due to his recovery from knee surgery. This absence follows his missed participation in several races this season, and while the team has seen promising results, Wolff's absence will be felt as they navigate the demanding 2023 F1 schedule.
FUN STUFF
Gran Turismo 7 is set to receive its third content update of 2025 on March 27, introducing three new vehicles, including the 2018 Aston Martin Vantage and the 2021 Mazda CX-30, alongside the Renault Kangoo. Additionally, a new feature exclusive to PlayStation 5 will allow players to select the AI opponent Sophy in Custom Races, enhancing gameplay flexibility with various settings.
Aston Martin and Curv Racing Simulators have revealed a new driving simulator developed in collaboration, with the AMR-C01-R to be produced in a run of just 50 units at £60,000 each. The rig features a design inspired by Aston Martin vehicles, as well as a seating position similar to that of the Valkyrie hypercar, as well as a 49-inch curved monitor and high specification computer components.
San Francisco has launched its speed camera program, becoming the first city in California to implement this traffic enforcement strategy, initially issuing warnings for two months before transitioning to fines sent by mail. The penalty structure includes a sliding scale that offers significant discounts for low-income residents, while the cameras are strategically placed in high-risk areas to enhance road safety.
Colin McRae's early success in rallying is highlighted by the Group A Subaru Legacy he drove alongside co-driver Derek Ringer during the 1992 British Rally Championship, where they dominated the season by winning every event. This iconic vehicle, now restored to its original Rothmans livery and equipped for rallying, is currently available for auction, with bids already reaching £150,000.
New York recently conducted an eight-day initiative aimed at improving road safety, resulting in nearly 56,000 traffic citations, with a significant number attributed to distracted driving. While the campaign primarily targeted impaired driving, only a small fraction of the tickets issued were for that offense, highlighting a broader range of violations among motorists.
Social media influencers have been revealed to be taking reckless test drives with performance vehicles in order to film the reactions of salespeople unaware of the situation. Reported incidents include one where the driver ignored all requests to pull over - a potential felony itself - while racing at up to 160mph, while another reportedly made a salesperson vomit.
The story of Bonnie Orcutt highlights her determination to secure access to her property in Newberry Springs, California, after Interstate 40 threatened to block her driveway. Her successful advocacy led to the construction of one of North America's longest driveways, at 4.1 miles in length, and its straight-line nature meant it later became a clandestine testing ground for high-speed automotive enthusiasts in the 1980s, though it has more recently fallen into disrepair.
A recent social media post showcased a unique repair technique called Precision Metal Stitching, which involves mending cracked industrial engine blocks without welding. This method uses specially designed threaded pins to effectively close gaps in metal castings, providing a durable solution that maintains the integrity and alignment of the original structure.
Motorists in Maryland encountered an unusual obstacle on the highway this past weekend when a dairy truck overturned, resulting in a substantial milk spill. The incident, which took place early Saturday morning on I-695 near Baltimore, led to the release of 6,000 gallons of milk, prompting lane closures as cleanup efforts were underway.
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!